Care home celebrates 80th VE Day anniversary in 1940s-style
Germany surrendered to the Allies on 8 May 1945
Last updated 18th Aug 2025
Residents at a care home in Royal Wootton Basset are commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the style of the 1940s.
Marsh Farm Manor is hosting a traditional street party complete with live performances and bunting to bring the spirit of the 40s back to life.
VE Day – or Victory in Europe Day – marks the end of World War II in Europe and is celebrated annually on the 8th of May.
Home manager Marietta Cranfield told Greatest Hits Radio: “We’re doing it because it’s important to the residents and it means something to them and their families.
“It is a very significant part of their lives and remembering what people did for our country is really key.”
The street party was the residents’ idea.
While Marsh Farm Manor, which is operated by England’s largest specialist housing provider Anchor, is currently not home to any veterans, a number of its residents remember the 8th of May 1945.
When the care home staff let the residents decide how they wanted to commemorate the day, they quickly realised that what stuck with everyone the most were the celebrations.
“We’ve got quite a few – predominantly ladies – who have good stories. Quite a few do remember it and a lot of them do remember the street parties”, added Tracey McShane, the care home’s admin.
“One lady remembers getting all dressed up and it was apparently the first time she wore a long dress. Another lady remembers quite a lot as well, but it tends to be just the celebrations that they’re remembering more than anything.”
In the morning, they will be visited by a local dementia choir who will bring the 40s back through old songs.
For lunch, Marsh Farm Manor’s residents have asked to have traditional fish and chips.
The first part of the celebrations already took place earlier this week, on bank holiday Monday, when animals and a ukulele player visited the care home.