Concert being held in Cockermouth to mark VE Day
It's happening at the Kirkgate Arts centre.
On the build-up to the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, a range of organised events are taking place across the county.
Town Councils, Parish Councils and the Royal British Legion have organised events in their areas.
To help commemorate the May anniversary, Cumberland Council is also planning to light their main buildings red (and where it allows red, white and blue) and will also fly the Union Flag.
The council’s The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is also organising a pop up event on Saturday 10 May.
The Government has announced four days of nationwide celebrations across the country leading up to VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 - starting with street parties, barbecues and community get-togethers up and down the country on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May.
The official 80th anniversary website offers a wealth of tips and inspiration for party planners including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together, ideas for food, games and activities, quiz sheets and templates for home-made bunting, flags, posters and party invitations.
The timeline announced by the Government leading up to #VE80 includes:
• Monday 5 May - street parties and community gatherings across the country, including on board HMS Belfast in London.
• Tuesday 6 May - historic landmarks to be lit up this evening and an installation of ceramic poppies to return to the Tower of London.
• Wednesday 7 May - concert at Westminster Hall in London.
• Thursday 8 May - service at Westminster Abbey and concert at Horseguards Parade, London.
Later in the summer, on VJ Day, Friday 15 August, the National Memorial Arboretum will host a service to mark 80 years since the end of the war in the Far East.
In Cockermouth a concert will also be held.
Laura Bailey will be playing the piano and singing a medley of war time songs to show the power that music had during a time of ultimate struggle.
She said: "I don't think music was just there for entertainment, it was an essential life line.
"It keeps people sane and lifts spirits in the very darkest times.
"Whether the songs came through an old radio, or was whistled in the barracks, I think it would've helped everyone feel a bit less scared and a bit more normal. It's a very powerful thing like that.
"I hope the audience will feel the power of those songs.
"It's an unimaginable hardship. It brings a lump to my throat just thinking about that.
"They met it with a courage and a humor that is just hard to get to grips with."