Victory in Europe Day 80

Communities across West Northamptonshire will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on 8 May 2025. This day marks the end of World War II in Europe and is a time to remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, as well as the resilience of the communities during the war.

West Northamptonshire Council will fly the official VE Day flag at its offices in Daventry and Towcester. A flag-raising event will be held outside the Guildhall in Northampton at 9am on Thursday 8 May 2025, the public is invited to attend.

One Angel Square offices and Northampton Market Square will be illuminated as part of the national Beacon lighting ceremony at 9.30pm on 8 May.

Events

There will also be various events across West Northamptonshire to honour the soldiers who risked their lives for peace and freedom, including:

Beacon lightings

Brackley Town Park: Celebrations end with a beacon lighting at 9.15pm on Thursday 8 May 2025

Libraries and museums

Brackley Library: VE Day display on 8 May with books, crafts, and a story session for under 5s from 10am to 10.30am
Brixworth Library: Calling for submissions of art for the VE Day Window Display by 26 April. The display will light up the library
Daventry and Northampton Museums: VE Day themes in their displays
Deanshanger Library: Decorate the library on 7 May from 10am to 1pm. VE Day crafts on 9 May from 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Duston Library: Working with the local historical society to mark VE Day and Community History Month
Hunsbury Library: VE Day crafts on 3 May and 10 May from 10am to midday. Play a wartime game, design a cake, create an evacuation suitcase, and make bunting
Northampton Central Library: Mini Makers - VE Day Special on 3 May at 2.30pm. Make paper Spitfire gliders and design medals
Towcester Library: VE Day display on 8 May with a 1940s living room, arts and crafts, Cream Teas at Chatty Café, and a school visit to make Peace Lanterns and Paper Hats
Weston Favell Library: VE Day crafts on 10 May from 10am to midday. Make a Spitfire model and design a war medal

For more information, visit the WNC libraries page or the museum website.

Other events

Cold Higham and Pattishall: Wartime Britain exhibition on 9 May at Cold Higham Parish Hall
Old Savoy Theatre, Northampton: Spirit of the Blitz show on 15 May from 1.30pm to 4pm
Tove Benefice, Towcester: Bell ringing on 8 May
Towcester Mill Brewery: Talk on 'Life after VE Day 1945' by Philomena Liggins on 8 May at 7.30pm
Wootton Village: Celebratory event on 8 May at 8pm

For more information on planning a VE Day event, check the VE Day celebration guide by the King’s Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek.

Communities considering to close a road to celebrate VE Day may need to apply for a temporary road closure. Groups planning larger parties are also urged to let the Council know about the event to check issues such as licensing, safety and traffic management.

Last updated 04 March 2025