VE day celebrations kick off in Sussex

The county's beginning a week worth of events to commemorate the end of World War Two

Author: Katie AhearnPublished 5th May 2025

A week of celebrations is beginning in Sussex as the country comes together to remember VE day.

Beacons will be lit in Crawley and Hove, exhibitions have been organised in Haywards Heath, Brighton Pier's even sorted a 1940s playlist to mark the 80th anniversary of the official end of World War Two.

The West Sussex Regimental Association has helped create an exhibition in Midhurst Museum, showcasing relics such as ration books to commemorate the experience of those who lived through the war.

Their chair, former reservist Barry Lane, said it's important to encourage them to share what they've been through:

"They were a marvellous generation, probably one of the best generations this country's ever produced.

"They were so stoic, living through both the Great Depression and the World War, and going back to civvy street at the end of it.

"They had no counselling - they were just expected to pick up where they left off.

"I take my hat off to veterans, who conceal what they've been through, and just how stoic they are."

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