Coventry historians remembering VE Day 80 years on
The Coventry Blitz Museum are stepping back in time to remember the impact of World War Two in the region
Today marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War and celebrations in Coventry and Warwickshire are set to be in full swing to commemorate VE Day.
To mark VE Day, Coventry and Warwickshire is taking a step back in time as street parties are set to commence with authentic music and Union Jack bunting.
In Coventry, a street party has been organised in Broadgate this evening - there is also a service of remembrance taking place at Coventry Cathedral, where the Cathedral ruins symbolise the longstanding impact of the war in the city.
Local historians from the Coventry Blitz Museum will also be hosting a talk on the Coventry Bombings today.
Adam Neal, manager of the Blitz Museum at Coventry Cathedral, will be hosting the talk alongside social historian, tour guide and author, Adam Wood.
Adam Neal told us why World War Two is so significant in Coventry: "On the 14th November 1940, the biggest air raid in history began here in Coventry.
"Coventry was absolutely destroyed and decimated by the Blitz.
"We were the first city to be targeted in the West Midlands, as Coventry was a huge manufacturing hub for war ammunition, which the military and government relied on."
Adam Neal continued to talk about how VE Day was commemorated 80 years ago: "People assumed that life would go back to normal but that couldn't be further from the truth.
"Coventry struggled for another decade and rationing continued into the early 1950s.
"Even though there was no fighting, life did not go back to normal for people in Coventry on VE Day like many people believe."
Social historian, Adam Wood shared how World War Two and VE Day continues to resonate with people in Coventry: "The people of Coventry had a spirit of peace and reconciliation after the devastation of the Blitz and it's a spirit which has been fostered in the city, 80 years since the end of the war.
"VE Day is of huge significance in Coventry as it's provides our community with an opportunity to remember the significance of the war here in the city."
The historical talk 'Bombs in Coventry' will be taking place between two and four o'clock this afternoon at Coventry Cathedral.