2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with two key dates to remember, Thursday 8 May and Friday 15 August.
Thursday 8 May is Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). This is the day the German forces surrendered to the Allied powers.
Friday 15 August is Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). This is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, in effect bringing World War two to an end.
To commemorate these monumental moments in history, North Lincolnshire Council have given out more than £20,000 in community grants of between £240 and £500 to 55 parish councils and local communities to help them celebrate and bring people together for VE Day and/or VJ Day.
North Lincolnshire Council will host a series of commemorative activities on 8 May. The public is invited to participate in these events:
• 10.30am A Proclamation and Flag Raising Ceremony in Church Square, Scunthorpe.
• 12.30pm A short church service of remembrance and wreath laying at St Lawrence’s Church, Frodingham.
The Armed Forces Hub situated on High Street, Scunthorpe will be open following the wreath laying, from 1.30pm until 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome to pop in and use the facilities of the hub and tea and coffee will be available all day.
The evening will continue with a celebration starting at 7pm in Church Square, Scunthorpe, featuring:
• Local choirs and performers
• A screen with a live broadcast of BBC events
• Children’s activities from The Dancing Tiger Scrapstore
• Fish and chips, the official food of VE Day 80
• Additional refreshments and facilities available at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre
The event will culminate with a 9.30pm sing-along to “I Vow to Thee My Country”, followed by a Beacon Lighting Ceremony, a national tradition to mark the significance of this occasion.
Elaine Marper, Armed Forces champion for North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is a momentous occasion and an opportunity for us all to come together, reflect, and honour the incredible sacrifices made by those who served, in every conflict.
“I encourage everyone to take part, whether by attending an event, joining a local celebration, or simply taking a moment to remember the past as we look towards the future.”
You can keep up to date with plans for the evening on the events page of the North Lincolnshire Council website.
Join us in remembering and celebrating the sacrifices and victories of the past, as we come together to commemorate this historic milestone.
