VE Day, on May 8, 1945, marked the end of hostilities in Europe, which had begun on September 1, 1939.
Events are taking place over the coming week in Camden, Brent and Barnet to commemorate the anniversary.
CAMDEN
On Monday, May 5. Camden Council is combining its 60th anniversary and remembering 80 years since VE day with a Big Street Party on the newly pedestrianised high street from 12pm to 6pm.
Cllr Sabrina Francis, Camden’s cabinet member for jobs, young people and culture, said: “The Big Street Party is our amazing opportunity to show everyone how we have been able to reclaim this busy street, with its iconic markets, music venues, and businesses, and make the most out of this new public space.
“Since its creation in 1965, the borough of Camden has been a creative powerhouse and cultural landmark.
“This event celebrates Camden’s 60-year legacy while also commemorating VE Day 80, remembering 80 years since Victory in Europe Day.
“This free, community-centred event marks a new chapter for Camden Town, and you don’t want to miss it!”
There will also be a VE Day street party in Mackeson Road, Gospel Oak on Bank Holiday Monday between 1pm and 5pm. There will be a barbecue and bar, with Kavanagh’s Belsize Park supplying food and drinks, as well as live music, poetry and children’s entertainment.
BRENT
A family street party is taking place in Windrush Corner, Harlesden, on Monday, May 5, organised by Roots FM and The Let’s Talk Show.
As well as local reggae artists performing live, there will be stalls, food, and face painting.
On Tuesday, May 6, Kingsbury Library is marking the victory day during its weekly coffee morning at 11am.
Philip Grant of the Wembley History Society will be giving an illustrated talk that will look at both the events in May 1945, and the experiences of local people during the previous six years.
On Saturday, May 10, K&W Healthcare in collaboration with the Brent Council and other groups will be hosting a Vintage Tea Party at the Chalkhill Road Community Centre from 2pm to 5pm.
BARNET
Stephens House & Gardens in Finchley will be trying to recreate this photo from spontaneous celebrations in 1945 on Sunday, May 4 (Image: Stephens House & Gardens) Stephens House & Gardens in Finchley will be trying to recreate this photo from spontaneous celebrations in 1945 on Sunday, May 4 at 6pm after a day of attractions.
The Finchley Society will have their wartime treasures on display from 1pm.
There will be fish and chips, a cafe, ice cream, strawberries and cream and a beer tent, as welll as music from 1940s close harmony trio Fox Wiggle and Sass.
Actor Daniel Mays will read from Spike Milligan’s war diaries.
A specially commissioned film with wartime memories will be screened in the main house throughout the day and people can even learn to dance around the May pole
1940s dress welcome. The gardens will be open until 8pm.
On May 8, a VE Day commemorative concert and beacon lighting event is taking place at St Mary the Virgin Church, in Monken Hadley Road, Barnet .
A drinks reception will begin at 7pm followed by a concert including host and orator Elaine Padmore, vocalists Angela Henckel, Sarah Roth and friends, and organist and pianist Martyn Noble playing songs by artists like Vera Lynn and Ivor Novello as well as classical favourites.
Attendees will be joining King Charles and people around the UK in commemorating the 80th Anniversary with a ceremonial beacon lighting at 9.15pm.
All proceeds for this event will go towards the organiser’s Church House Renewal Fund. For more information visit https://lovebarnet.co.uk/town-event/ve-day-commemorative-concert-and-lighting-of-the-beacon
The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon will be holding an intergenerational street party bringing together invited schoolchildren, local community members and wartime generations on Thursday, May 8 from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The timetable is as follows:
- 11.45am: Official welcome and opening ceremony, featuring Winston Churchill’s historic VE Day speech and wartime music
- 12pm: A dance performance by local students
- 12.15pm: Street Party Lunch, with pupils enjoying their packed lunches and older guests catered for
- 1pm: Creative presentations by children including poems and reflections
- 1.15pm: Emotional group singing of wartime classics, culminating in a unifying rendition of We’ll Meet Again
ISLINGTON
A beacon-lighting ceremony will take place at Dartmouth Park on Thursday, May 8. The event will begin at approximately 9.20pm, with the beacon set to be lit at 9.30pm.
Islington Veterans’ Association (IVA) will also be holding a Remembrance Parade on the morning of Thursday, May 8 at Islington Green. It will be attended by the Mayor of Islington, councillors, IVA members and Islington’s local veterans.
The event will begin with a service at 10.45am and conclude with a wreath laying ceremony, finishing at around 11.20am.
Enfield
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A community celebration will take place at Pymmes Park Visitor Centre, in Victoria Road, Edmonton, on Thursday, May 8 from 4pm to 7pm.
The celebration will include welcome speeches and afternoon tea, with live music and dance performances by Candy Dance Stars.
A free gift will be given to all participants aged 80 and over.
All are welcome to attend the event.
