Royal Wootton Bassett came to the nations attention during the Iraq & Afghan wars when brave military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice were transported from the then RAF Lynham along what many dubbed the ‘Heroes Highway’ to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
With this year being the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, the town and council have come together to celebrate the beginning of the end of World War Two.
Thursday 8th May, 9am The RBL Flag Master will raise the VE Day flag at the flagpole in Royal Wootton Bassett High Street (next to the War memorial), the Town Crier will then read the proclamation and the Mayor will say a few words.
6.00pm – 9.45pm at the Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby club there will be a free to attend family event.
A free shuttle bus will be available to take people to the event, this will run from Sainsburys car park to the Rugby club from 5.30pm – 10pm and will be based on a first come – first served basis and is limited to 19 seats.
There will be Dominico’s ice cream van, the Spud Shack, Cotswold Chippy, Smokinly Good BBQ and R & F Coffee vans for your food and the bar provided by the Rugby club, plus a limited selection of fairground rides and stalls from Scarrott’s family fun fair, 2 Army tents containing memorabilia, various music and dance acts performing throughout the evening leading up to the main event of the Lighting of the Beacon at 9.30pm which will be lit around the Country. The evening will close with 2 songs that we hope everyone will sing along to.
The running order of the acts:
- 6.00pm – event opens, Mayor, Cllr Pat Farrow’s address
- 6.05pm – 6.35pm – WBLOS
- 6.35pm – 7.05pm – Wootton Bassett School of Dance
- 7.05pm – 7.50pm – 41º Big Band
- 7.50pm – 8.20pm – Cantanti Choir
- 8.20pm – 9.05pm – 41º Big Band
- 9.05pm – 9.25pm – 1940’s music
- 9.30pm – 9.35pm – Tribute read by Mayor followed by the lighting of the Beacon
- 9.35pm – 9.45pm – I vow thee to my Country, We’ll Meet Again and God Save the King
Entertainment Swindon 
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