2 weeks Ago
A range of events including films, wartime letters and community celebrations will be held to honour the milestone anniversary of VE Day. This year will mark the 80th anniversary of Britain and the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany on Victory in Europe Day on May 8. To celebrate the historic occasion and reflect on the sacrifices made by the wartime generation, a selection of cultural, educational and outreach activities will be held around Bolton.
Council cabinet member Cllr Nadeem Ayub said: “This programme is an incredible opportunity for Bolton to unite in commemorating VE Day’s 80th anniversary. “It’s essential that younger generations understand the sacrifices made by those who lived through the Second World War, and these events provide meaningful ways to reflect on our shared history. There will be 80th anniversary events for VE Day and VJ Day taking place in 2025 (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire) “I encourage everyone in Bolton to take part in these activities and celebrations, ensuring the legacy of those who fought and served continues to inspire us today and into the future.
” VE Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945, but thousands of British and Allied servicemen remained on duty in the far east. The war did not end until the surrender of Imperial Japan, which is marked on VJ Day on August 15. Across Bolton the programme in May will feature a series of activities including screening a new National Theatre film entitled “The Next Morning.
” The activities will also be aimed at exploring young people’s hopes and dreams after the war. This will include the Imperial War Museum’s initiative “Letters to Loved Ones”, encouraging residents and school children to share wartime letters from their families. Communities across Bolton have also been invited to take part in the Tip Top Towns initiative .
ALSO READ: Veterans and dignitaries remember Bolton's fallen at Battle of Passchendaele ALSO READ: Crowds gather in Bolton to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday ALSO READ: Remembrance Day 2024 in photographs as Bolton honours the country's war heroes This will involve preparing for celebrations by improving local areas, creating decorations, and bringing residents together for community-spirited events. The commemorations will also feature a UK-wide programme including a military procession, flypast. There will also be community street parties supported by the Great British Food Festival, The Big Lunch, and Together Coalition across the country.
Educational resources developed in partnership with The Royal British Legion and other organisations will ensure a legacy of veteran testimony..
