Roundup: What’s happening for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Newbury and beyond
This month marks 80 years since the Second World War ended.
The world celebrated when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, after nearly six years of brutal warfare.
And now communities across the country are preparing again to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
The breathtaking display of thousands of ceramic poppies is returning to the Tower of London, last used to mark the centenary of British involvement in the First World War.
But what’s happening in West Berkshire and North Hampshire? See the list of commemorative events planned in our towns and villages below.
Have we missed your events and street parties? Share the details with us at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
Bucklebury
Traditional games and military vehicles on The Green at Chapel Row from 7pm-10pm on Thursday, May 8.
Live music from Kennet School and Beenham Wind Orchestra and Simon Peters piping.
Beverages will be supplied by The Bladebone, Tutts Clump Cider, as well as tea, coffee and cakes.
Food is also available to pre-order from The Blackbird Café, and a fish and chips van will be onsite from 7.45pm. Feel free to bring your own picnics as well.
Hungerford
1940s VE-Day Swing Dance at Hungerford Town Hall from 7pm-11pm on Friday, June 13.
A night of nostalgia, music and dancing, featuring the The 1940s Blitz Band.
Kingsclere
Victory in Kingsclere event to show how Kingsclere marked the end of the war, jointly hosted by the Kingsclere Village Club and Kingsclere Local History Association.
Sunday, May 11, from 10am-4pm at the Kingsclere Village Club, in George Street.
A selection of photographs and scrapbooks from the village archives will be available for viewing.
There will be displays including the local Home Guard, Women’s Land Army, Royal Observer Corps Post, Naval Ordnance Proofing Range, Fundraising efforts, the Crown Shooting and the WI.
The nearest available parking is at the public car park outside the Bowling Club in Ashford Hill Road.
Teas and coffees served throughout the day. Free entry. Donations welcomed.
A pre-booked Victory Tea Party will take place immediately afterwards from 4-6pm.
Ticks cost £5. Call 01635 297390 or email events@kingsclerevillageclub.co.uk to book your place.
Newbury
Thursday, May 8.
11am – Service at Newbury War Memorial.
A Celebration Lunch will be held for the over 65s at the Fair Close Centre, featuring fish and chips and entertainment by singer Kitty Mazinsky. Booking is essential on 01635 40488 or hello@fairclosecentre.org
Community Beacon Lighting Event at Victoria Park from 7pm-10pm, featuring music from local groups. The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm. Picnics are encouraged.
Music and speeches will accompany the ceremony.
Saturday, May 10.
Community Day at Victoria Park for all ages from 11am-3pm, featuring music, food, stalls and games and activities from Kennet District Scouts and local charities.
Performances, military vehicles and displays will also be held from noon at the Newbury Branch of the Royal British Legion, in Pelican Lane.
Thatcham
Service at War Memorial on Thursday, May 8, at 11am, followed by refreshments at Thatcham Memorial Hall.
Wash Common
New Era Players are performing two shows at West Berkshire Museum on May 7/8.
They will be doing two shows, the first at 1pm and the other at 7pm.
Each performance will be different, showcasing songs, stories, poems and anecdotes about this historic day.
Visit www.westberkshireheritage.org/ west-berkshire-museum to book your place for either show.
Tickets for these performances are available by visiting the West Berkshire Heritage website
Those unable to attend the museum shows can watch the whole performance at New Era Theatre in Wash Common on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10.
Visit ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players to buy your tickets, which cost £15 each.
Contact boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or call 07919 916009 for all enquiries for these shows.
Woolton Hill
Service in St Thomas’ Church on Sunday, May 4, at 4pm, followed by refreshments.
The church and lychgate will be decorated with flags and bunting.
