11 December 2019

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

May 2020 will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the unconditional surrender by Germany that brought a formal end to World War II in Europe. By the end of the conflict up to 80 million people had died.

The 75th anniversary will provide an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people who lived through this dark and terrifying period. It is likely to be the last at which those who actually served in the war will be present in any significant numbers.

Friday 8 May 2020 has been designated as a Bank Holiday, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to pay tribute to those who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today, and to joyously celebrate, as people did in 1945, the arrival of peace in Europe.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that the War in Europe was over at 3pm on 8 May 1945 and people are encouraged to take part in ‘The Nation’s Toast’ – an opportunity to raise a glass, wherever they are at 3pm on 8 May 2020, to the heroes of World War II.

To mark this landmark in the country’s history, the Town Council will be hosting a VE Day commemoration event at East Court on Friday 8 May, with a Mayoral Reception from 2.30pm to 4pm for East Grinstead residents who remember taking part in the VE Day celebrations of 1945. Guests will be invited to the Meridian Hall for refreshments and entertainment, where they will take part in The Nation’s Toast and share their reminiscences.

The day will have many elements, which are currently taking shape but will follow a national format. At 3pm a piper will play Battle’s O’er, a traditional air performed on the bagpipes at the end of a battle, followed by The Nation’s Toast.

From 4pm, entertainment will be provided in the Meridian Piazza and a pay bar will be available. Members of the public will be able to attend this free outdoor event.

At 6.55pm town criers around the world will take part in a special international Cry for Peace, and at 7pm East Grinstead church bells will be rung in celebration of peace and friendship.

Entertainment will continue throughout the evening, culminating in a firework display at 9pm.

Anyone with memories of VE Day 1945 who is willing to be recorded recounting their stories, is invited to apply for spaces at the Mayoral Reception by contacting the Mayor’s secretary mayorssecretary@eastgrinstead.gov.uk or 01342 335055