North Devon Council is inviting residents to take part in commemorations for the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, marking the end of the Second World War.

The national programme of events, led by the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will see major commemorations take place across the UK, including a military procession, flypast, and street parties on Monday 5 May, a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8 May, and a national service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 15 August.

To honour this historic occasion, North Devon Council is encouraging local communities, businesses, and schools to get involved in the commemorations by hosting their own events, street parties, exhibitions, and educational activities.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: "The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are an opportunity for us to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation. Whether it’s through attending a local event, hosting a street party, or sharing stories from the past, we encourage everyone in North Devon to take part in this significant commemoration.”

Residents and community groups are encouraged to:

• Host a street party or community event on Monday 5 May in the spirit of the 1945 celebrations.
• Visit the official website (ve-vjday80.gov.uk) for downloadable resources, event listings, and funding opportunities.
• Apply for National Lottery funding to support local projects that commemorate WWII (Visit the National Lottery Community Fund).
• Take part in the ‘Letters to Loved Ones’ initiative, uncovering family stories from the war (Find out more via the Imperial War Museum).

For information on street parties and road closures, please visit Devon County Council’s website.

For more information on how to get involved, visit: ve-vjday80.gov.uk/get-involved