Dorset is gearing up for VE Day Celebrations

Starting on the bank holiday 5 May, Dorset will join the nation in celebrating the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

 Street parties, picnics, and barbecues will be held across the country echoing the jubilant celebrations from 80 years ago.

While VE Day falls on 8 May, the celebrations start early.  Bank holiday Monday, 5 May, is all about bringing communities together.

Dorset Council want to encourage communities, businesses and schools to host their own events, including street parties, exhibitions, and educational activities in the spirit of the 1945 celebrations.

If you want to host a street party, you can apply for a road closure online.  Temporary traffic restrictions for a street party - Dorset Council.  It’s free, but you need to apply by 11 April.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said:

"The 80th anniversaries of VE Day give us a chance to come together and honour the sacrifices made by many during the war. Whether by attending a local event, hosting a street party, or sharing stories from the past, we encourage everyone in Dorset to take part in commemorations and celebrations."

Cllr Stella Jones MBE, Chair of Dorset Council, will be hosting a VE Day Beacon Lighting service at Durlston Castle in Swanage on Thursday 8 May at 9.30 pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Town and Parish Councils across Dorset will also be organising their own events, so check your local information sites to see what's happening near you.

You can also check out events on the national website to discover celebrations near you or add your event to the list.

If you’re planning to host your own event and need some inspiration, the national official website has many resources to download, Toolkit – VE and VJ Day 80