2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory In Europe and Victory Over Japan Day on 8 May and 15 August. As part of the celebrations, communities are encouraged to come together on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May) to honour and pay tribute to our WW2 heroes.
Find out how you can get involved by visiting ve-vjday80.gov.uk.
For information and support on planning a community event, please visit our dedicated webpage.
Below is a list of the events taking place across the district to celebrate VE/VJ Day. If you're planning your own celebration - big or small - please let us know! Simply email us at communications@northdevon.gov.uk, and we'll add it to this page.
| What? | When? | Where? |
|---|---|---|
Barnstaple |
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| Flag Raising Ceremony | Thursday 8 May 2025 | The Flagpole, Rock Park. 9am. |
| Free showings of a new commemorative film about WW2 and North Devon, VE 80 craft activities and historical talks. | Thursday 8 - Saturday 10 May 2025 | Barnstaple Pannier Market. At various times. |
| Cream tea dance and exhibitions. Events around Queen Anne's Cafe and The Museum | Saturday 10 May 2025 | The Strand and Square. 11-4pm. |
| VE80 Festival. The Veterans Charity is hosting a fantastic Victory in Europe Day celebration. Join them for a day filled with live music and entertainment, a street party, historical displays (both static and living history), food and drink vendors, and much more! | Sunday 11 May 2025 | Barnstaple Pannier Market and Butchers Row. |
South Molton |
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VE Day 80th Anniversary - South Molton Remembers 9:00am - Raising of the VE Day 80 flag 8:30am-1:00pm - Special VE Day Market with raffle and live music |
Thursday 8 May 2025 | South Molton Pannier Market |
| 1:30pm-5:00pm - Tommy Tea. An afternoon of 1940s nostalgia with live artists, dancing, raffle and cream teas. Free entry, donations welcome. Dress up is encouraged! | Thursday 8 May 2025 | Assembly Rooms, South Molton Town Hall |
| 2:30pm - A commemorative plaque honouring all who served and died for country will be unveiled in the Pannier Market by Paddy King-Fretts and Mayor Jacqui Footman. The unveiling will include choir performances by local schools | Thursday 8 May 2025 | South Molton Pannier Market |
| 5:30pm-8:00pm - Food and music. The Singing Ringers and Barnstaple Ladies Choir and an SMCC performance | Thursday 8 May 2025 | South Molton Community College |
| 6:30pm - Bell ringing | Thursday 8 May 2025 | St Mary Magdeline Church |
| 9:30pm - The lighting of the Beacon | Thursday 8 May 2025 | South Molton Square |
Ilfracombe |
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Everyone is most welcome to come along and take part in a shared moment of celebration and reflection as we look back on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Join Ilfracombe Town Council on Thursday 8 May at 10:50pm (for an 11:00pm start) on Ilfracombe’s seafront, in the Clapping Circle. All are welcome! |
Thursday 8 May 2025 | Ilfracombe Clapping Circle. 11am |
Bratton Fleming |
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| The new Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Mike Harrison, will lead a church service. At 11am, he will bless a Cascade of Poppies, a display created by crafters from the village and around the world. The cascade will be a central feature of the VE80 Commemoration on Thursday, 8 May. Everyone is welcome to join. | Sunday 4 May 2025 | St Peter’s Church, Bratton Fleming. 10am |
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St Peter’s Church will host a Memories Exhibition, showcasing wartime recollections, photos, and excerpts from A Schoolgirl’s War by Mary Smith. The Thursday Café in the Village Hall will extend its hours from 2–5pm, offering special refreshments and war-era songs. The evening will feature bell ringing, a 7pm concert by The Jubilee Singers, and the lighting of Bratton Fleming’s Lamp of Peace at 9:30pm, in line with national commemorations. |
Thursday 8 May 2025 | St Peter’s Church, Bratton Fleming. |