In Events, wwii, ve day, leicestershire, remembrance

It’s a momentous occasion as the country marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. As the occasion drifts out of living memory, there are so many who know that epochal conflict is something we should never forget.

Leicester and Leicestershire a no different, with a huge range of celebrations, remembrance opportunities and street parties as people celebrate the ‘greatest generation’. On the day itself, Thursday 8 May, church bells around the county will ring out at 6.30pm and beacons will be lit across Leicestershire at 9.30 pm to remember the sacrifices of those who fought during World War II. 

VE Day in Leicester

Leicester itself is joining the celebrations on Thursday 8 May with Town Hall Square transformed into a 1940s haven. The square will be decked with bunting, flags, floral tributes while Vera Lynn’s wartime classic ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and other well-known tunes from the 1940s will fill the square. A commemorative book will be available for people to record their personal thanks to the men and women who served in the war.

There will be a special evensong service at Leicester Cathedral on Thursday 8 May at 5.30pm, attended by the Lord-Lieutenant, the Lord Mayor, the Chairman of the County Council, and other civic dignitaries. The service is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. If you are representing uniformed services and organisations, wearing uniform is encouraged and insignia, decorations and medals may be worn. The Cathedral bells will be rung at 6.30pm, joining other religious buildings around the country in tribute to this special occasion.

Celebrating VE Day around Leicestershire

In Blaby District

Stoney Stanton Parish Council are raising the VE flag at 9am and lighting the beacon at 9.15pm along with music from the Enderby Band.

To commemorate VE Day Braunstone Town Council is hosting and supporting community events throughout the week in and around the Civic Centre. A performance of Wartime Favourites with the Ratby Daytime Band will take place on Wednesday 7 May at 2pm at. A Commemorative Service will be held on 8 May at 10.45am in the Memorial Garden with the Town Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant. From 8-10 May there will be a display on the VE Day original street parties. Then finally on Friday 9 May, a 1940s Victory Tea Party will be held from 3-5.30pm. For more information visit the Braunstone Town Council Facebook page.

Glenfield Parish Council are lighting the beacon from 9.15pm on Thursday at the Memorial Garden, Park House. On Saturday 10 May there will be a VE 80th Anniversary Big Lunch at the Memorial Hall from 12.30pm. Come and enjoy a free community hog roast with live jazz, a musical village and children's entertainment including face painter.

In Kirby Muxloe the lighting of the Lamplight of Peace will take place at 9.15pm at the War Memorial Gates. St Bart's Church will be ringing the bells at 6.30pm. A VE Day Anniversary Event will take place on Saturday 10 May from 2-5pm at the Village Hall car park. There will be wartime songs, vintage clothing to try on, military vehicles and a WWII exhibition in the village hall, plus fairground rides, food and refreshments. All profits go to the Royal British Legion.

Hinckley and Bosworth

On the 3 & 4 May Desford will be turning the clock back with the VE Day 80 Festival of the 40s. The event will be commemorating, educating, and celebrating all that was done to secure Victory in Europe. With military displays, dancing, live music, historical reenactments, fabulous food, and vintage vehicles, there’s something for everyone. There will also be a chance to have a go in a Spitfire flying experience with IFly Spitfire Simulator.

Hinckley’s commemorations centre around the War Memorial in Argents Mead. St. Mary's Church the Royal British Legion with HBBC and Hinckley BID invite everyone to attend the service and celebrations which begin at 10.15am with a service to follow at 10.55am. You are welcome to lay flowers at the memorial for this event (no plastic).

Melton’s 1940s week

There will be a Street Party on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May in Melton Mowbray Marketplace from 11.30am to 4pm. Then on the weekend of 10 and 11 May the 1940s Melton Mowbray weekend will pay tribute to VE Day 80! Melton Mowbray will step back into the 1940s with activities, fashion and music characterising the period when Britain was at war. The event starts at 10am and runs through to 5pm on both days with a spectacular parade through town on the Sunday morning. Enjoy a weekend of 40s themed entertainment, outdoor cinema showing classic war films, vintage market, re-enactments from the era, vintage cars, living history displays, 1940s live music and plenty of delicious food and drink.

More info available here.

Celebrations in Ashby de la Zouch

Ashby are starting their celebrations early with the Festival in the Park on Sunday 4 May. Running from 12noon to 7pm, this day of fun will commemorate VE Day’s 80th Anniversary with songs from the 1940s at the beginning of the event. The free community event will have a large stage with music throughout the day headlined by Peaky Blinder, performing an eclectic mix of Pop, Rock, Indie, Soul & RnB Classics. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs, food & drink vendors will be on site with fairground rides and entertainers for the kids, plus face painting.

VE Day in Oadby & Wigston

On the 8 May, a flag raising will take place at 9am outside the Brocks Hill offices of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. A beacon lighting event will take place at Brocks Hill Country Park that evening.

Join the Ratae Players at Oadby Baptist Church for a Spectacular Variety Show in Honour of the 80th VE Day Celebrations! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls step right up and prepare to be thoroughly entertained! Marking 80 years since Victory in Europe, this talented theatre troupe invites you to an evening of merriment, music, and memories in true wartime spirit. Performances on the evenings of the 8-10 May. Book your tickets here!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE VICTORY SHOW

The largest WWII recreation in the UK takes place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August 2025 at the 100 acre Foxlands Farm in Cosby. It is not only the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII but it's also their 20th anniversary event. The Victory Show welcomes historical societies and re-enactments through various forces from several eras and theatres from 1939-45. Experience live battle recreations with tanks, half track and infantry plus fly pasts and landings of historic WWII aircraft.

Book your tickets here

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