Parties, concerts and flypasts to mark VE Day

Crowds turned out on the streets 80 years ago to show their joy and relief

Street parties, concerts and flypasts are being held across the West Midlands to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

The occasion commemorates the end of nearly six years of war in Europe on 8 May 1945 when Nazi German forces surrendered unconditionally to the Allies in World War Two.

Many councils have encouraged communities to hold street parties to recreate the spirit of '45.

But there are solemn occasions too, a remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has welcomed veterans, families and other members of the public.

Kash Dhillon said he wanted to see young and old residents get together

On Thursday, the Royal British Legion will host a private VE Day tea party at the venue for veterans and families before the commemorative service beginning at 16:00 BST.

The arboretum will be open to the public as normal and seating will be available on a first-come-first-served basis, although visitors are advised to book parking in advance. The service will also be streamed into Heroes' Square.

People have been encouraged to turn up in 1940s outfits in Coventry.

Mayor of Sandwell Syeda Khatun said events reflected on sacrifices made by a generation and pay tribute to those who "gave so much", including everyone who fought overseas, around the Commonwealth and on the home front.

She said celebrations in the 75th year took place during the pandemic and this was a chance to "meet again".

Sandwell's celebrations include a brass band, parade and a service on Thursday.

In Wolverhampton, street party organisers Leanne Spencer and Kash Dhillon said it was important to get old and new residents together to share stories.

"For the older generation who are passing stories on, who fought in the war and what it was like to be in them days, some of them sacrificed their life for our freedom," Mr Dhillon said.

"We've got people from America here, they've come to witness what's happening here, everyone has been welcome."

Sandwell's mayor said celebrations for the 75th year happened during Covid and this year was a chance therefore to "meet again"

Coventry Cathedral held a special choral evensong on the day of the anniversary, alongside the national bellringing that is taking place.

This year marks the 85th year since the Coventry Blitz - one of the worst bombing raids endured by Britain, which took place on 14 November 1940.

The raid brought devastation across the city and destroyed the original cathedral, the Church of St Michael. The replacement now stands alongside the original's ruins.

On Thursday, Coventry City Council and BBC CWR are holding a street party on Broadgate, with live entertainment and a big screen showing wartime images.

The event will also honour the contribution of South Asian communities to the war and victory, with a Bhangra dance display.

Councillor Abdul Khan, deputy council leader, said the city suffered greatly during the war, but "emerged with a message of peace".

BBC CWR editor Sophie Cook said VE Day was "a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many".

Croome Court housed a secret RAF base

Residents at Trinity Lodge, a dementia care home in Coventry run by Anchor, have been commemorating VE Day with events all week.

Residents Ken and Margaret Walton said they remembered the celebrations when peace was declared after years of bombing.

"We all had tea parties and celebrations," Mr Walton said.

"Everybody clubbed together - the whole street come out."

A talk will be held on Thursday and Friday at Croome Court, Worcestershire, which housed RAF Defford – a secret wartime airbase staffed by more than 2,000 service personnel and scientists who tested radar to help meet enemy threats.

Michelle Fullard, general manager of the National Trust in South Worcestershire, said the talks would reveal the wartime significance of the site, which, she said, was comparable to Bletchley Park, the centre of British codebreaking efforts.

"The experimental aircrafts, the experimental technology that people were willing to just have a go at during the war, to try and make a difference, is unbelievable," she said.

Celebrations on Saturday will include wartime songs, a brass band and a flight simulator that visitors can try, operated by Pershore cadets.

Experimental technology was developed in Worcestershire during the war

Celebrations will continue into the weekend at various venues, including the RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford, close to Telford and Wolverhampton.

Flying displays will include a Lancaster flyover tribute on Saturday.

A VE day concert will be held outside Hangar 2 that afternoon, with songs from the 1940s and music by the RAF Voluntary Band Cosford and the Bluebird Belles.

Veterans will open the show with a poem to honour those who served.