Council asks for plans for VE Day street parties

Torbay Council want people to plan their events for the Monday before VE Day

Torbay residents wanting to hold street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day have been urged to start planning commemorations and submit them to the council.

VE Day on 8 May will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the World War Two in Europe.

Torbay Council has encouraged communities to plan their event for the early May Bank Holiday on Monday 5 May.

Further details on how to organise and apply for a street party, including deadlines for road closure applications, are available on the events pages of Torbay Council's website.

Community groups and residents who would like to hold a street party are encouraged to discuss plans with their neighbours and local businesses.

15 August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) and the end of World War Two.

The council said the commemoration of VE Day and VJ Day would form a significant part of the English Riviera Airshow.

People across the UK held celebrations to mark the end of the war in Europe in 1945

The airshow takes place over the weekend of 30, 31 May and 1 June.

Councillor Jacqueline Thomas, cabinet member for tourism, culture and events said the anniversary was a "significant opportunity" to commemorate the allied victory in Europe.

"I'm sure that many of our local communities will want to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day by getting together with neighbours and friends," she said.

While there are no charges for road closures, the council said residents would need the relevant road closed and diversion signs - which could be hired from SWISCo for a fee.