VE Day in Northamptonshire - here's how the county will celebrate 80th anniversary of victory in Europe

Communities around the UK celebrate VE Day, an annual commemoration to mark Europe’s victory following the Second World War.

May 8, 1945 saw Germany's unconditional surrender, which brought the six-year conflict to an end. 2025 will mark its 80th anniversary and, not unlike previous years, it will be marked by towns and villages across the country.

Celebrations for the 75th anniversary were dampened somewhat by the Covid-19 pandemic, however this year is shaping up to be a day to remember, with plenty of activities, parties, parades, and beacon lightings already confirmed in north Northamptonshire.

Kettering – Wicksteed Park will be the host of the VE Day celebrations and commemorations in Kettering, with ‘a special evening of remembrance and celebration’ taking place in the terrace suite at the park on May 8. From 5pm, people are invited to enjoy drinks and refreshments before a film screening at 6.30pm, which will be followed by a beacon lighting and music to round out the day.

A spokesman said: “Join us in the Terrace Suite at Wicksteed Park on 8 May for a special evening of remembrance and celebration as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

“Enjoy a High Tea, a captivating film screening, and the lighting of a beacon in tribute to this significant day.

“Indulge in handmade cakes, sandwiches, and pastries prepared by the talented students at Tresham College.”

The evening is a ticketed event, costing £10 per person, and proceeds will benefit the Wicksteed Charitable Trust. Tickets can be bought online here.

Irthlingborough – A celebration will take place throughout May 8 in Irthlingborough, beginning on Parsons Green with bagpiper Michelle Jewell at 7.45am, before a VE Day 80 proclamation by Irthlingborough town crier, John Farrar at 8am. An hour later will be the raising of the VE Day 80 Flag to ‘unite the nation in remembering the sacrifices made by so many, many millions throughout the Second World War.’

The celebrations will continue into the evening in the marquee in the town centre car park.

Raunds Temperance Band will perform ‘music from the era’ at 7.30pm, singer Tracey Barker will perform at 8.15pm, and then 9.30pm will see the lighting of the beacon with the singing of the hymn 'I vow to thee my Country', before the evening concludes at 9.35pm with The Last Post, being played from St Peter’s Church tower.

The whole day’s events are free to attend.

Wellingborough – The Wellingborough Scouts will be marking VE Day on May 8 with a beacon lighting and lantern making from 5.30pm until 10pm at the Dale End Scout Centre in Croyland Road. At 6.30pm there will be a period of reflection, and then at 8.30pm a bonfire will be built, and lit. All are welcome to attend, however children must be accompanied by an adult.

Raunds – Also on Thursday, May 8, people in Raunds will be able to celebrate the occasion from 9am with the flag raising at the town hall. Then, in the evening, there will be an unveiling of VE Day commemorative benches in St Peter’s Church Memorial Gardens at 6.15pm, followed by a performance from the church’s bell ringers.

At 7pm, a street party will take place in the town square which will feature a performance from local schools, a vintage trio performance from Candy Girls, and light refreshments ahead of the lighting of the beacon ‘light of peace’ at 9.30pm.

Road closures will be in place in West Street and High Street during the celebrations.

Rushden – A host of activities will take place in Rushden on May 8, beginning with a flag raising, the last post, and a two-minute silence at the war memorial at 9am. At 9.10am, wreaths will be laid at the memorial with the mayor, Cllr David Coleman lighting ‘the lamp of peace.’

In the evening, Hall Park will play host to street party picnics from 7.30pm, with music from Rushden Mission Band, followed by events history presented by David Hawker, the last post, and a tribute by the deputy lord lieutenant before a beacon lighting at 9.30pm.

A 'Street Party' themed display will be at Rushden Hall as part of the VE Day celebrations. The town council is asking people to knit 4/6-inch boy or girl dolls to form part of the exhibit, which should be delivered to Rushden Hall by Thursday, April 17.

Corby – In Corby, the celebrations on May 8 will begin at 8.30pm with refreshments organised by the Air Cadets. Half an hour later, the mayor and the Rev. Paul Frost will lead the tribute before the beacon is lit by the Royal British Legion. A parade and formation display by the Air Cadets will conclude the evening.

Oundle – On May 8, there will be a commemoration of VE Day at 2.45pm in St Peter’s Churchyard. This will be followed by a VE Day tea party at 3pm at Abbott House. At 4pm, a commemorative tree planting on Fletton Field will take place, coinciding with the field’s official opening.

Irchester – The First Irchester Scouts will host a ‘nostalgic indoor street party’ on Sunday, May 4 to mark the occasion, offering afternoon tea, entertainment, and reflection. From 3pm until 5pm at Irchester Village Hall people can attend the event which is in support of the scouts’ summer district camp in Jersey this August.

1940s costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory.

Great Doddington – VE Day will be celebrated at The Great Doddington Club on May 8 with a kids party and live entertainer from 1pm, a live singer from 8pm, and food available throughout.

Rothwell – A ‘VE themed’ picnic in the park will take place 2pm. More details to follow.

Desborough – A ‘street party’ will be held at Desborough Services Club on May 11 from 3pm until 6pm, with 40s music and entertainment and a collection towards the Royal British Legion. The event is free to attend.

Titchmarsh – A ceremonial lighting of the beacon will take place in Titchmarsh at 9.30pm on May 8. More details to follow.

Thrapston – There will be a beacon lighting in Peace Park, Thrapston on May 8 at 9.30pm, coinciding with others around the UK. The event will be attended by the Chairman of Thrapston Town Council, Chairman of the Thrapston branch of the Royal British Legion and Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, with the Thrapston Town Band also performing.

If you’re hosting a VE Day event and would like to be featured in our round-up, email [email protected] with details.