Events taking place across Suffolk in memory of VE Day
The anniversary is this Thursday, but celebrations are happening at different times.
Last updated 5th May 2025
As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, people in Suffolk and across the country are preparing to celebrate.
The day celebrates the formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender back in 1945.
We spoke toMayor and Councillor Lesley Hill who is arranging Leiston cum Sizewell, an event at Sizewell beach.
She told us about what they've got planned.
"It's going to start at 6:00pm and we're going to have music by a local DJ, Sunny Cracknell. That will be followed by music by our very precious Royal British Legion band Leiston. Following the national programme, there will be a reading of a tribute, there'll be a prayer and then the most important bit will be the lighting of the beacon at the end of the evening."
We asked her what the beacon symbolises, she told us it represents peace.
"It's also to commemorate those who served in the wars and who didn't come back, and it's also for the families of those people as well.
"And we involve members of the Royal British Legion. We have our local army and air cadets there, and scouts and standard bearers from the British Legion. There are other things that can go on that the community can do, if they choose, such as street parties."
We asked Lesley why it's so important to have events like this and remember what happened 80 years ago.
She told us "I had a a father and lots of people in our communities remember their parents, or perhaps possibly their grandparents being involved. And I think it is important that we remember them and the Royal British Legion here are there to ensure that there isn't forgotten and that we do keep commemorating and in part celebrate as well."
She also expressed the importants of VJ Day
VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is celebrated on August 15th to commemorate the end of World War II in the Far East. This date marks the official surrender of Japan on August 15, 1945.
She said, "We mustn't forget that in August we've also got VJ Day. We had regiments here that served in that war. And so something will be done for that, but it will possibly be different from what we're doing for VE Day 80."
Some of the events in Suffolk
Street parties:
- Nelson Road, Bury St Edmunds - 05 May 2025
- Corder Road, Ipswich - 05 May 2025
- Thoroughfare, Halesworth - 10th May 2025
Other VE Day events:
- VE Day 80th Anniversary - Brandon - 08 May 2025
- VE Day 80th Anniversary - Felixstowe - 08 May 2025
- Celebration of 80th Anniversary of VE Day - Beccles - 08 May 2025
- Woodbridge Town VE Day Peace Celebrations - Woodbridge - 10 May 2025