VE Day celebrations to take place on 8 May, says borough council

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council have posted on social media about local plans to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. In the most recent post (Opens in a new window) of 28 April, they said

“It is exactly 80 years this year since the Second World War came to an end in Europe – an event often referred to as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). This year’s commemoration will take place on Thursday 8 May with a series of events planned across the United Kingdom and in Europe. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has planned a series of events to mark the occasion. They include: raising the VE80 Day flag at the Town Hall, participation in the VE80 Day breakfast organised by the Royal British Legion, VE80 Day celebrations at the Belfry, VE80 Day lunch in Banstead, VE80 Day celebrations with the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, and the lighting of the beacon in Priory Park.

“VE Day means a lot to many of our residents in particular those whose family members, friends and relatives were directly involved in the war effort. We would like to honour these brave men and women who did everything within their power to defend our nation - some of them paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“Please send us pictures (where these exist) of your loved ones and a description of what they did, where they served, including where they currently rest (if they fell).

“We will put submissions together for a tribute on our channels on Thursday 8 May.

“Ideally, we would like to receive pictures and any other relevant information by COB on Wednesday 30 April. Send to: mayor@reigate-banstead.gov.uk (Opens in a new window)

“Thank you.”

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