Press Release

24 March 2025

Residents encouraged to commemorate VE Day 80

Fareham Borough Council is encouraging residents to commemorate VE Day this year by joining the nationwide Great British Food Festival celebrations.

Residents across Fareham are invited to join in with local celebrations and festivities, including picnics and street parties to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the May bank holiday.

Local communities can join the nationwide Great British Food Festival on Monday 5 May by holding street parties, cooking up a BBQ or fry up with your neighbours, hosting a curry night, or by organising a Big Lunch extravaganza.

The Great British Food Festival will bring together residents, our armed forces, veterans, and visitors to celebrate our rich culinary and cultural history, whilst also honouring the sacrifices and triumphs of the nation’s veterans during the Second World War.

Cllr Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “Whether it's a street or garden party, or a BBQ in the local park, we’re inviting everyone to come together in Fareham for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today. VE Day is a significant occasion for our nation and the 80th anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to bring all of our residents together to reflect on, and to celebrate our shared history.”

VE Day is a day of remembrance that commemorates Germany’s surrender to the Allies, marking the end of World War II. Residents and local businesses who want to request the closure of a street for celebrations should contact the council’s Licensing Team on 01329 824399 or via email at licensingofficers@fareham.gov.uk by Friday 25 April. It is not necessary to seek permission for parties that do not require road closures.

Further ideas for commemorating VE Day 80 can be found at the dedicated interactive website, where residents can submit details of their events or find activities happening in their local area: Activities and events – VE Day and VJ Day 80.

For the latest updates, follow Fareham Borough Council on our social media platforms, and join the conversation using #VE80. More information can be found at the council’s website: Victory in Europe (VE) Day 80.

CEO of the Together Coalition, Jon Knight, said: “VE Day is perhaps the most formative single moment in shaping the collective image we have of ourselves as people and as nations. That is why we’re encouraging all communities to come together and celebrate our shared history.”

Further information about the national celebrations can be found at the government’s website: Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80 - GOV.UK.

ENDS