John Smith
5 May, 2025
News

Eastwood and Kimberley all set for VE Day 80 celebrations

The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be celebrated across the country on Thursday, May 8 with special events happening in both Eastwood and Kimberley.

Special flags up in Eastwood ready for the VE Day 80 events.

In Eastwood, there will be a special commemorative service and a 1940s-themed concert.

On the anniversary date itself, on Thursday, May 8, there will be a special Service of Commemoration on Library Square, Nottingham Road, from 10.45am.

Prayers will be led by Rev David Stevenson from 11am to 11.15am.

Afterwards, refreshments will be served at the Town Council offices on Nottingham Road.

Then on Saturday, May 10, there will be a special 1940s-themed commemoration concert at St Mary's Church on Church Street with performances from Springbank Academy Choir, NOWMADs and Jeanie Barton.

Flags are also up and ready in Kimberley for the celebrations
Flags are also up and ready in Kimberley for the celebrations Credit: Kimberley Town Council Facebook

Audience members are invited to dress up in 1940s style if they want.

The concert starts at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) and tickets priced £10 (plus booking fee) are available from Eventbrite (search for Eastwood VE/VJ Day commemorative event) or townclerk@eastwood-tc.gov.uk

Meanwhile, in Kimberley, the town crier will read the Proclamation of Victory at 8am at the town war memorial.

This will be followed by the raising of the VE Day 80th Anniversary Flag at 9am.

Finally, a Beacon Lighting Ceremony to pay tribute to all those brave men and women who gave their lives in the war, will be lit at the Chapel on the Hill at 8.30am, joining with other beacons being lit nationally.