Warwick District will be joining towns and cities across the country on Thursday 8 May 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day – Victory in Europe, which marked the end of the World War II conflict in Europe.
At 8am, Warwick’s Town Crier, Michael Reddy, will read ‘The VE Day 80 Proclamation’ on the steps of Shire Hall.
A commemorative ‘VE Day 80’ flag will be raised at 9am at the Town Hall in Leamington Spa, by the Chairman of Warwick District Council, Councillor Rob Margrave, and representatives from the towns and Royal British Legion.
The Leamington branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a short service at the War Memorial on Euston Place at 6.30pm, with a reading by Father Christopher Wilson from All Saints Church.
From 7.30pm, the district will join the nation in lighting the beacon at Newbold Comyn. Refreshments including pizza, coffee and cake will be available to purchase, with music by Royal Spa Brass starting at 8.30pm.
The ‘VE Day 80 Tribute’ will be read by the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Councillor Judith Clarke, followed by a short speech by the Chairman of Warwick District Council when the beacon is lit at 9.30pm.
The reading of the Proclamation in the morning and the lighting of the beacon at Newbold Comyn in the evening will both be live streamed on Warwick District Council’s Facebook page.
From 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Kenilworth Town Council will be hosting a commemorative event at Kenilworth Castle featuring a service by the Royal British Legion, a performance by local school choirs, a piper and the lighting of a beacon in one of the Castle’s towers.
Councillor Rob Margave, Chairman of Warwick District Council said: “It is a privilege to be part of Warwick District’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, commemorating the end of the conflict in Europe and acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of those that fought so hard for our freedoms.
“I’d be delighted to see residents join us at Newbold Comyn to light the beacon and to use it as an opportunity to pause and reflect.”
Warwick’s military museums and Visitor Information Centre will also be celebrating the anniversary with special exhibitions and talks.
Temporary exhibitions at The Fusilier Museum Warwick and Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum will tell the stories the regiments during the final days of war.
The Lord Leycester will be holding an event from 11am to 3pm on Thursday 8 May, where visitors can hear the fascinating stories of Masters & Brethren involved with World War II, as they delve into their archives to rediscover the tales of men and women who helped shape our history. Other venues that are part of the Warwick Military Heritage Trail will also be exhibiting at the event.
The Queen’s Royal Hussars Museum will be hosting their monthly talk on Thursday 8 May from 6.30pm, following the 8th Hussars journey through pivotal World War II battles from the breakout at Caen to VE Day. Tickets are £15 including museum entry, wine and nibbles, and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/d-day-3-to-ve-day-tickets-1312752822029
Warwick Town Council will be holding a 1940s fish & chip supper in the Court House ballroom on Friday 9 May, with music from period singer Ruby Rouge and dressing-up encouraged. Tickets are £25 and are available to buy from the Visitor Information Centre.
A special day of talks on Saturday 10 May by The Fusilier Museum Warwick in the Court House, including a buffet lunch, will be led by Henry Montgomery, the grandson of Field Marshal Montgomery. Tickets for this can be purchased at https://fusiliermuseumwarwick.com/events/talk-eventvictory-80-the-royal-warwickshire-regiment-and-the-end-of-ww2
Similar events including a beacon lighting are planned for Friday 15 August for VJ Day – Victory over Japan, which effectively marked the end of World War II.
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