South East gathers to commemorate VE Day

A crowd of people gathered to take part in a VE Day service in EpsomImage source, Julia Gregory/BBC
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A service was held in Epsom in Surrey

  • Published

People across the south-east of England have been gathering to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Events are taking place across Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex to commemorate 8 May 1945, the day that marked the end of World War Two in Europe.

People who lived through VE Day, including veterans, have attended events in cities, towns and villages to mark the occasion and share their memories.

Proclamations were read out and a two-minute silence was held, while beacons will be lit across the region on Thursday evening to mark the historic day.

Close up shot of Keith Ovens, 89, attending a ceremony in Epsom wearing a beret and medals.Image source, Julia Gregory/BBC
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Keith Ovens, 89, said he was bombed out from his home during the war

Keith Ovens, 89, attended a ceremony in Epsom, Surrey.

He said: "It is important to remember because of all that went before and the sacrifice of so many people."

He said he remembered being bombed out of his home in Hackney, east London, and had clear recollections of VE Day in 1945.

"It was euphoria. It was amazing. The streets were alive," he added.

"A piano appeared from nowhere. A barrel of beer appeared. There was dancing in the streets and we had a big party."

A close up of 96-year-old John Smith from Dover. He is wearing a red and white shirt and glasses. Image source, Jo Burn/BBC
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John Smith was evacuated from Dover as a teenager during World War Two

John Smith, 96, from Dover, was a teenager when World War Two broke out.

Being so close to Calais meant that the port was a key target and so children like John were sent away for safety.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "When our house was destroyed, my father got allocated another house just outside Dover for the rest of the war.

"I almost got killed as I'd been to the cinema and there was an almighty bang and a shell fell just outside the building where I'd just been."

Sylvia Holder say in a garden looking to camera. She is wearing a purple top.Image source, George Carden/BBC
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Sylvia Holder was six when World War Two ended

Sylvia Holder, 86, from Hove, was aged six on VE Day.

She told BBC Radio Sussex: "I remember the extraordinary excitement everywhere.

"I do remember it being totally manic."

Jean Mack, 92, from Worthing, said: "Everybody was cheering. We had a street party.

"I remember a man playing the bagpipes on the top of a big brick building."

Crowds of people gather in Burgess Hill to commemorate VE Day.Image source, Burgess Hill Town Council
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Crowds gathered in Burgess Hill to commemorate VE Day

A vintage military vehicle and driver in uniform with dog take part in commemorations in Wingham, Kent Image source, Jo Burn/BBC
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A vintage military vehicle took part in commemorations in Wingham, Kent

Lit torches being held in a disused railway tunnel in Heathfield in West Sussex
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Torches were lit in a disused railway tunnel in Heathfield in West Sussex

Two World War Two replica planes were on display for the day at a school in Dartford in KentImage source, Liz Saul/BBC
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Two World War Two replica planes were on display for the day at a school in Dartford in Kent

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