Hampshire and Isle of Wight mark VJ Day-80

Tens of thousands of people arrived back into Southampton in 1945

Events are being held across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, is commemorated on 15 August each year, and marks the date in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces, ending World War Two.

In the months that followed, thousands came home through Southampton's port - 80 years on, the city is commemorating its wartime role and the sacrifice of those who did not return.

Other communities are holding events to reflect on hostilities drawing to a close in 1945.

Southampton

Southampton was a landmark in the homecoming of men and woman who had been prisoners of war and civilian internees in South East Asia.

In the months that followed the war, more than 22,000 people were repatriated through the then town's port.

Veterans and families of those who served in Asia will board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 for a commemorative lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor of Southampton on Friday.

In August 1945, the original Queen Mary was in port and joined other ships in sounding her whistle to mark the end of the war.

The same whistle is now fitted to Queen Mary 2 and it will sound again just after the national two minutes' silence at 12:00 BST.

At 20:30 a beacon will be lit at Holyrood Church in the city. The church, badly damaged during the Blitz, now stands as a memorial to the Merchant Navy.

On Saturday, a commemorative service and wreath laying at the Cenotaph at 11:00.

It will be followed by a veterans' march through East Park into Palmerston Park which will later hold a Picnic in the Park with live music, military and heritage displays.

Alex Winning, leader of the city council, said Southampton's role in VJ Day and the months that followed was "a powerful testament to our city's resilience".

"As we mark the 80th anniversary, it is important we honour the sacrifices made, remember the stories of those who returned home, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten."

More on Southampton's VJ events on Visit Southampton.

Isle of Wight

On the Isle of Wight, East Cowes Esplanade is hosting a Victory over Japan Day on Friday with an afternoon and evening of live music, a dog show, and beacon lighting.

The town council said it would be a "meaningful community celebration by the sea".

Totton

Totton is staging a weekend of remembrance and reflection to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the war.

A memorial service is being held at the town's war memorial at 18:00.

It will be followed by Reading for Reflections - an outdoor performance of a collection of poetry and prose looking at different perspectives of World War 2 and events around VJ Day in the Town Park performance area.

A Lamps of Peace parade begins at 20:45 and is followed by music at the Totton and Eling Community Centre.

Aldershot

The Royal Garrison Church in Aldershot is holding a commemoration service with the themes of conflict and hoped-for peace.

The church gardens will be open from 1700 for bring your own picnic, with the service starting at 1830.

The service finishes ahead of the lighting of the beacon in Manor Park.

In the lead up to the beacon lighting, there will be music with a Vera Lynn tribute act, a short talk from local historian Paul Vickers, other readings and memories of the so-called forgotten army who fought in Asia.

A parade of veterans associations and uniformed youth groups and cadets will march to the beacon before it is lit.

Details of other events taking place in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found on the VE/VJ Day 80 website.