From street parties to exhibitions, here is a list of events happening in West Norfolk to celebrate 80th anniversary of VE Day
Many towns and villages across West Norfolk are busy preparing community events to mark this month’s VE Day anniversary.
This year marks 80 years since the Victory in Europe Day, which celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of the Second World War of Germany's unconditional surrender on Tuesday, May 8, 1945.
We have put together a list of all of the different events happening across the area that you can join in with to mark this special historic occasion…
North Wootton is kick-starting the celebrations with a scarecrow trail competition taking place from today to May 10, which will be displayed in front gardens throughout the village.
On the 80th anniversary day itself, Thursday, the village will be raising the VE Day 80 Flag at 9am outside the village hall. Later that day, there will be a beacon lighting ceremony, and The Tribute will be read.
On Saturday, May 10, residents are invited to party like it’s 1945 with a street-style event at the village hall from 11am until 5.30pm.
Walpole St Peter Church is hosting VE Day celebrations and an exhibition daily from 10am-4pm from today until Sunday, May 11. Visitors can expect to see a collection of local and national information, stories and pictures from VE Day to commemorate the end of the war in Europe.
Taking place on Saturday, May 17, is a spring market from 10am-4pm.
St Mary's Church in Southery is putting on a flowers and memorabilia event to celebrate the anniversary.
It will be taking place each day from today until Monday from 11am-4pm.
A free street party will be happening on Windsor Road in Lynn on Sunday, starting at 12.30pm until 4.30pm with live music, Morris dancing, street magic and lots more.
There will be a VIP table for those who were around at the actual VE Day, allowing them to bring along memorabilia and photos to share. One lady who is 94 years old has some fantastic stories and photos to share.
Bank Holiday Monday will feature a street party atmosphere on King’s Staithe Square in Lynn and a relaxed day of live nostalgic and contemporary music on stage. From 11am until 4pm there will be performances from Lynn Ukulele Club and Sarah Mai.
There will be classic wartime vehicles parked on the square and free family activities from 5pm, including spitfire kits to build and colour, and flag making.
There will also be a youth cadet parade, Greyfriars School will perform on stage, live music from Marham Military Wives Choir and Ashlea Lauren, and a civic procession will take place – entertainment will draw to a close at 9.45pm.
Hunstanton will play host to a range of events over a few days. On Thursday, May 8, at 9am, will be the raising of the VE Day flag at the Cenotaph. At 9.30pm will be the lighting of the beacon on The Green.
Saturday, May 10 at 2pm will be a VE Day gala at the town hall - and from 10am-4pm a St Edmunds spring fair will be taking place.
At 11am on Sunday, May 11, there is a parade from the United Services followed by a service at 11.30am at the Cenotaph.
Down the High Street from midday will be a street party. There will be music at the Spinney from 2nd Sunset playing 40’s music throughout the afternoon and entertainment in the High Street.
A victory gala has been organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary at Hunstanton Town Hall on Saturday, May 10 from 2.30pm.
On the day there will be The West Norfolk Singers, Loc-Mai Yuen, Nikki and Dave Williams, The Zimbabwe Fellowship, The Platinum Players and a guest artiste. This event is in support of The Royal British Legion.
There will be a grand raffle with many prizes up for grabs, and tickets are £10 each and £7 for concession. They are available from ‘By The Book’ on the town High Street.
