Communities supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council funding to hold VE Day events for 80th anniversary
Dozens of communities have been able to hold VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations thanks to support from Newark and Sherwood District Council.
A total of £10,800 has awarded 35 town and parish councils across the district to help fund celebrations, as the country prepares to mark 80 years since victory was declared in Europe towards the end of the second world war.
Town and parish councils from across Newark and Sherwood were to apply for funding, which will no go towards helping the local authorities to organise events such as picnics, flag-raising ceremonies, 1940s best-dressed competitions, open-air musical concerts, and beacon lighting ceremonies.
In addition, some areas are putting on exhibitions showcasing local history around the war with newspaper cuttings and images from the 1940s.
District council armed forces champion Neil Ross, said: “2025 marks an incredibly important year in our history, with the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“People up and down the country will be marking this historic moment, commemorating all of the sacrifices that were made during the war and celebrating the day the war was declared over in Germany.
“We want our residents to be able to join in with the spirit of VE Day and support our local Armed Forces community.
“It is absolutely amazing to see so many brilliant events taking place across the district. It's going to be a very special day.”
Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations, said: “At the district council, we wanted to echo the community spirit that is at the heart of VE Day celebrations and make sure our residents were able to take part and enjoy the day.
“Therefore, we invited Town and Parish Councils to apply for grant funding to go towards any local celebrations they were holding in their area.
“We had such a brilliant response, with so many amazing events planned to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“From Newark Town Council’s open-air concert and beacon lighting to street parties and picnics — it’s going to be such a fun and joyful time in Newark and Sherwood with something for everyone to enjoy.”
