Bunting and flags will be unfurled at street parties across Westmorland and Furness to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
To help celebrate this historic occasion, Westmorland and Furness Council is waiving its usual fee for residents applying to close their road for a street party – a saving of £324.
The Government has announced four days of nationwide celebrations across the country leading up to VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 - starting with street parties, barbecues and community get-togethers up and down the country on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May.
If you are planning a street party and are thinking of applying to the council for a road closure, please email events3@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk as soon as possible. The Events Team will send out a road closure application form and a risk assessment form, which will need to be completed and returned by midnight on Sunday 6 April.
The official 80th anniversary website offers a wealth of tips and inspiration for party planners including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together, ideas for food, games and activities, quiz sheets and templates for home-made bunting, flags, posters and party invitations.
The timeline announced by the Government leading up to #VE80 includes:
• Monday 5 May – street parties and community gatherings across the country, including on board HMS Belfast in London
• Tuesday 6 May – historic landmarks to be lit up this evening and an installation of ceramic poppies to return to the Tower of London
• Wednesday 7 May – concert at Westminster Hall in London
• Thursday 8 May – service at Westminster Abbey and concert at Horseguards Parade, London.
Later in the summer, on VJ Day, Friday 15 August, the National Memorial Arboretum will host a service to mark 80 years since the end of the war in the Far East.
Meanwhile, community and voluntary organisations can apply for grants to help host 80th anniversary events, activities and exhibitions by applying to the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All programme. Grants are available to help bring communities together to commemorate the Second World War and its impact on people across the country.