Katy Bailey
12 May, 2025
News

Gateshead residents celebrate VE Day with a traditional street party

Streets away from where VE Day celebrations took place 80 years ago, over 200 Gateshead residents and onlookers came together to celebrate those who contributed to the liberation of Europe.

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With music and entertainment, traditional rounds of bingo called out by Gateshead Mayor Kathleen McCartney and refreshments for all to enjoy, both Age UK Gateshead and Trinity Square came together to host a truly memorable street party.


The event all came together thanks to 93-year-old George Larter from Heworth who approached Age UK Gateshead and asked if they could put on the celebration.

Colin Ward, George Larter, Gateshead Mayor Kathleen McCartney and Age UK Gateshead’s Kate Wildish
Colin Ward, George Larter, Gateshead Mayor Kathleen McCartney and Age UK Gateshead’s Kate Wildish Credit: Age UK Gateshead


He said: “When I first suggested it, I thought we could just do a small gathering at the Age UK centre, but to see everyone come together to put this on and how many people have turned out, has been truly fantastic.


Festivities underway at Trinity Square in Gateshead
Festivities underway at Trinity Square in Gateshead Credit: Age UK Gateshead

“I remember the day so well, we had a big street party and during it, I was told that my dad who was a prisoner of war at the time, was coming home. So we made a big welcome home banner for him amongst all of the celebrations.


“There was so much excitement and joy, it’s a day I’ll never forget and I’d like to thank Kate from Age UK Gateshead for all of the work she’s put into the full event.”

Gateshead Mayor calls out the Bingo
Gateshead Mayor calls out the Bingo Credit: Age UK Gateshead


The event took a pause at noon so that all attendees could pay their respects with a two minute silence alongside the rest of the country.


The day was also attended by Kells Lane Primary School who brought along their students as part of an inter-generational partnership they’re working on with Age UK Gateshead.


Kate Wildish, Senior Community Development Worker at Age UK Gateshead, said: “What a brilliant day! We had to initially offer reserved seating so we could cater for the event, but so many people still stopped by to watch, celebrate and pay their respects. It really is an example of how the full community comes together to mark occasions like this.


“We have so many thank yous to give. Thank you to Sky for helping us to fund the event and supplying so many volunteers to make the day run smoothly. Thank you to the local shops throughout the town that all contributed offering prizes and donations and a final thank you to the excellent Trinity Square team for partnering with us, we can’t wait to work on more future events together.


“We hope everyone had a fantastic day and hope that we made our Gateshead veterans and their families proud.”