Where to celebrate in Essex this VE day
Southend City Council have received 15 applications for street parties
Thursday 8 May 2025 will mark 80 years since Victory in Europe and war in Europe and Essex local councils are encouraging residents to celebrate.
Chelmsford are set to commemorate VE Day this bank holiday Monday 5 May with a special city centre event.
Partnering with organisations across Chelmsford and Essex, the city will deliver a family-friendly day of activities exploring their World War II history.
The free event promises a mix of educational displays and immersive attractions that bring the stories of wartime Chelmsford to life, including talks and guided walks, and a vintage bus and military vehicle display.
If you're a resident in Maldon, you can join the free celebrations in Promenade Park on the 8 May 2025.
The evening event includes a performance by Maldon Youth Orchestra, a screening of 'A Royal Night Out', and a tribute and bonfire.
Romford are hosting a VE day street party in the historic marketplace outside Romford Shopping Hall.
It's a family-friendly celebration on May 10th from 12pm to 3pm, with live music, magic tricks, and pie and mash on offer.
Southend City Council have received fifteen road closure applications after waiving their fees to encourage people to celebrate.
Most are taking place on 5 May 2025 with a few on 4 May.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “Southend has a proud military history, and it’s only right that we support our communities to celebrate, remember, and honour it. That’s why we’ve waived charges for VE Day street party road closures, to help more residents come together for this historic occasion.
“Street parties are a great show of civic pride, and I wish everyone taking part a fantastic and fun day of celebration and commemoration ahead of our Beacon Lighting Ceremony by the Cenotaph on Thursday evening. I encourage everyone to come along on Thursday and be a part of this important occasion.”
The city is also hosting a "Music in the Park" event on May 5th from 3pm to 4:30pm, with residents encouraged to bring their own picnic, and will participate in the nationwide beacon lighting on Thursday, May 8th at 9pm.
Southend Street parties:
Briarwood Drive Leigh 4/05/2025
Henley Crescent Westcliff 5/05/2025
Western Road Leigh 5/05/2025
Hamboro Gardens Leigh 4/05/2025
Salisbury Road Leigh 4/05/2025
Gayton Road Southend 5/05/2025
Briarwood Drive Leigh 5/05/2025
Canvey Road Leigh 5/05/2025
Burnham Road Leigh 4/05/2025
Surbiton Road Southend 4/05/2025
Hillway Westcliff 5/05/2025
Torquay Drive Leigh 4/05/2025
Quorn Gardens Leigh 5/05/2025
Christchurch Road Southend 5/05/2025
Second Avenue Westcliff 5/05/2025