Skip to content

Celebrating VE (Victory in Europe) Day on Thursday 8 May

Published
VE (Victory in Europe) Day takes place on Thursday 8 May and marks the end of the Second World War in Europe.

In recognition of this 80th anniversary the Union Flag will be flown at Shire Hall in Gloucester.  

There are VE Day celebration events taking place across the county.  

A special Evensong at Gloucester Cathedral will take place at 5.30pm. The cathedral bells will also ring at 6.30pm in commemoration. All are welcome, booking is not required. 

Listed below are events that the Lord-Lieutenant and representatives from the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy are invited to or are involved in to commemorate VE Day:  

Bitton 

Lanterns to be lit and placed on the war memorial in the churchyard at St Mary's Church, Bitton, 9.30pm.  

Cheltenham  

Commemoration at Cheltenham War Memorial, Promenade. Parade to the war memorial for service and wreath laying, 10.50am.  

Cinderford 

Event at the front of St Annals House at 9.00am. A reading of the official proclamation by the Town Crier and the raising of the flag to remember the sacrifices made by those throughout WWII.   

Cirencester  

Commemorations at Cotswold District Council Offices in Cirencester. Arrival by 4pm, followed by flag raising ceremony led by Cirencester Parish and Royal British Legion at 5pm.  

Gloucester  

Event at Sula Lightship, Gloucester Quays, moored on the canal near Llanthony Priory at 9.30pm. Choir to sing 'I Vow to Thee my Country' on board the upper deck. 

Newent  

Flag raising and reading of the Proclamation, short speech and prayers by the war memorial. Tea and coffee with veterans at a nearby day centre. 

Tetbury  

VE Day celebrations, including lighting of the beacon at Goods Shed at 9.15pm.     

Winchcombe  

An evening of entertainment at St Peter’s Church, Winchcombe from 7pm. Including songs, poems, short plays and personal remembrances from Winchcombe locals.   

Yate  

Event including beacon lighting at Tyler’s Field.  

Stay safe at local events  

Many VE Day 80 events and activities will be taking place across the county. If you plan to celebrate, join an organised event.  

Read advice from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service to keep you, your family and community safe: Fire Safety and the Great Outdoors.