This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe and the beginning of the end of World War Two.
Now, 80yr on, as the country comes together to celebrate VE Day and remember those who served and survived and to those who lost their lives in the defence of Great Britain and the liberation of Europe, Entertainment Swindon takes a look at how Swindon and the surrounding area will be celebrating.
War ended in Europe on 8th May 1945, and with this being such a notable anniversary and one where we see so few living veterans of the war, the importance of this years VE Day will be celebrated over a four day commemoration.
Swindon:
Celebrations will be held across Swindon and the surrounding area with residents holding street parties as part of the national celebrations.
Residents are being invited to join the Council at a special flag raising ceremony on VE Day to mark 80years since the end of the Second World War.
The ceremony, which will pay tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the war, will include hymns, speeches from both the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Robbins, and the Mayor, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh and guest visitors from local Brownie and Scout groups.
The flag raising ceremony will begin at 4.30pm on Thursday, 8 May and take place at Civic Offices reception on Euclid Street (SN1 2JH). As well as attending, residents are invited to bring food and drink to the ceremony for other guests to enjoy as part of a Street Party.
Mouldon Hill Country Park
VE Day Celebrations at Mouldon Hill Country Park
Join together for a Nostalgic VE Day Family Picnic!
Step back in time Saturday, 10th May (12-3pm) at Mouldon Hill Country Park for a community celebration to remember!
Bring your picnic, chairs, and rugs as we come together to honour this historic day in style. Enjoy the soothing melodies of Swindon Brass as they transport us back to the 1940s with their nostalgic tunes.
Whether you want to participate in some fun outdoor games or simply relax on your picnic blanket with an ice cream soaking in the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Make a day of it by taking a ride on a vintage train between Mouldon Hill Country Park and Swindon & Cricklade Railway stations.
Dust off your 1940s fashion and join the fun!
- Location: Mouldon Hill Country Park & Swindon & Cricklade Railway
- Date & Time: Saturday, May 10th, 12-3pm
- Note: Limited parking
@nicks.ices Swindon & Cricklade Railway Swindon Brass
Highworth:
Highworth Celebrates VE Day80 – Thursday, 8th May, 2025 at 12:00pm to 09:30pm
Highworth is again leading the way in the Swindon Borough with quite possibly the biggest VE Day event in the Borough.
Plans are still coming together for a great Family Event in Highworth as we join the rest of the country and celebrate VE Day 80 with a full size replica Spitfire on display along with WW2 military vehicles, the Coleshill Auxiliary, an afternoon tea party with local residents from local homes, Danters Funfair providing vintage chari-o-plane ride, a light beacon lighting and much much more!
You may also like the following events from Highworth Town Council Facebook page to keep up to date.
Check out more going on in Highworth this Summer!
- This Saturday, 3rd May, 10:00 am, Medieval May Day Event in Swindon
- This July, 12th July, 11:00 am, Highworth Skate Park Event 2025 in Swindon
Lydiard:
Theres lots going on in Lydiard Millicent during VE Day 80 celebrations.
Starting on Thursday 8th May with Afternoon Tea at Parish Hall from 3pm to 5pm, followed by the return of the popular pop up museum, with new information, displays and audio recordings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, along with entertainment including music from the 1940s with light refreshments.
To end the day, Lydiard Millicent will join the nation with lighting a beacon from 9:15pm to 9:45pm
Friday 9th May, why not sit down with the nations favourite dish, ‘Fish and Chips’ at the Sun Inn and an evening of musical entertainment with Jade Young.
Saturday 10th May, there will be a WW2 military vehicle display, where you will have the opportunity to see a selection of WW2 military and civilian vehicles at the Parish Hall and Field from 2pm to 9pm.
Events in Lydiard Millicent finish with a Barn Dance at the Lydiard Parish Hall from 7pm to 9:30pm, featuring the Black Velvet Ceilidh Band for a brilliant music and dance experience. Ticket price is £12.50, and booking is essential. Contact lmphevents@gmail.com to book your place.
Royal Wootton Bassett:
Thursday 8th May, 2025 at 6:00pm
Location: Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8DS.
VE DAY 80th ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Free event – open to all 6.00pm – 9.45pm
Live music, food vendors, Army tent, Fairground stalls and ride, bar
MAIN EVENT – Lighting the Beacon at 9.30pm
Marlborough
On 8th May 2025, the Club will join with the Marlborough Town Council and the Royal British Legion to celebrate the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day as part of the national event. Across the United Kingdom, the people of our great nation will come together to unite and celebrate the eighty years of peace we have enjoyed since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since. As a Club, we are looking forward to being part of this anniversary, which will be a day of joy, reflection, and celebration. We will be amongst the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people, all reaffirming a commitment to world peace, ensuring future generations understand and cherish its value.
At 6.30pm the Town’s church bells will ring out in united celebration, and the Club will open its doors to all-comers. We will have music, food trucks, activities, and fun and games. There will be a short ceremony at sunset, before we all move onto The Common to gather at the beacon. It will be lit at 9.30 p.m. at the same time as over one thousand beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace that will shine throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, with the flames from them all representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
The Club will remain open until 11 p.m. for those who wish to continue the celebrations.
“Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace”.
Location: Marlborough Rugby Club
Date: Thursday 8th May 2025
Start Time: 18:30 – 23:00
REME Museum
Mark your calendar to celebrate VE Day 80 in style at the REME Museum’s annual 1940s re-enactment and living history event, Wartime Britain!
The REME Museum’s annual 1940s re-enactment and living history event, Wartime Britain, promises to be an amazing day out exploring the equipment, military life and home front culture experienced by many during World War II. Every year we add something bigger and better, with more re-enactment groups and exciting performances.
This year, get ready to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in style, featuring:
1940s costume and decoration
Re-enactors and living history groups telling the stories of those who lived, served and fought in WW2
WW2-era vehicles from the Museum’s Reserve Vehicle Collection, private collectors and enthusiasts around the country
‘Live’ demonstrations of WW2 equipment, including firearms, munitions and more (subject to groups attending and availability of equipment) – see the slideshow below for examples of previous years’ demonstrations
Musical performances with wartime era music, creating a VE Day party atmosphere on our grounds, and much much more!
Tickets available, click HERE.
Calne:
Calne unites for the VE Day 80th Anniversary with various events throughout the town. Please look to our website and socials for more information.
Marking 80 years since Victory in Europe.
Between the 5th and 8th May, Calne will be joining the nation in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
- Bring and Share picnic at Marden House on Monday 5th May
- Heritage Centre open 5th May for an exhibition display focusing on WW2 in the Calne area.
- Service at War Memorial on 8th May.
Aldbourne
A Wiltshire village will host a major event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Aldbourne to host VE Day 80 event with military vehicles
The Aldbourne VE Day 80 event, organised by a member of the Military Vehicle Trust, will take place from May 3rd to May 5th.
The village will be filled with immersive history re-enactments, military convoys, and World War II exhibitions, along with live music, including a Big Band Dance at the War Memorial Hall.
A beacon of light and flag-raising will pay tribute to those who served, with church services and bell ringing adding to the commemorations.
The Military Vehicle Trust is a charity dedicated to preserving military vehicles and educating the public about their historical significance.
It has more than 6,000 members across the UK, Europe, and the US.
The trust said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), which commemorates the official end of World War II in the Eastern Front, celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945.
“Members of the Military Vehicle Trust will attend events up and down the country and beyond.”
Devises
On the 8th May we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe.
Devizes Town Council and Wiltshire Army Cadet Force invite you to join us at Roundway Hill White Horse for a special beacon lighting ceremony as part of an international tribute.
Arrive from 8:45pm for ceremonial and marching music from Wiltshire ACF
Beacon lighting at 9:30pm
Note: There will be no parking at Leipzig Plantation. Parking is available if you turn left at the crossroads toward Oliver’s Camp, or you can park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. We recommend bringing a torch as it will be dark when returning to your car.
Fairford
The Royal British Legion (Fairford Branch) is hosting a 1940s-themed event on May 11th at the Fairford Cricket Club, at 16 Park Street, GL74JJ.
They are seeking Tombola prizes for our RBL stand to help raise funds for the branch. This free event is open to all, and we encourage attendees to embrace the spirit of the era by dressing in period attire, representing the UK armed, civilian, and allied forces.
Please bring your picnic! The day will feature military vehicles, including an anti-aircraft gun, uniforms, and hats for children to wear for photos, tea party and big screen period film. Enjoy a BBQ and free hot dogs for children while supplies last, provided by the UK and American joint community, along with more exciting activities!
Entertainment Swindon 
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