Leamington ceremony among local events being held to commemorate 80 years since VE Day

Public ceremonies and exhibitions will be held across Warwickshire to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which brought an end to the Second World War in Europe.  

A ceremony in Royal Leamington Spa will head up the local event programme, which also includes commemorations across the local area, organised by Warwick District Council.

A special ‘VE Day 80’ flag will be flown above the Town Hall in Leamington on 8 May. It will be raised at 9am by Councillor Rob Margrove, Chairman of Warwick District Council, who will be joined by fellow representatives from neighbouring towns and members of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Later in the day, at 6.30pm, the Leamington RBL branch will host a short service at the war memorial on Euston Place which will be followed by a beacon lighting event on Newbold Comyn.

Attendees will be able to purchase refreshments, including coffee and cake, at the event, with live music from Royal Spa Brass starting at 8.30pm.

It is a privilege to be part of Warwick District’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, commemorating the end of the conflict in Europe and acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of those that fought so hard for our freedoms

Cllr Rob Hargrove, Chairman of Warwick District Council

The events will continue into the evening with Councillor Judith Clarke, Mayor of Leamington Spa, reading the official ‘VE Day 80 Tribute’. This will be followed by a short speech from Cllr Margrove as the beacon is lit at 9.30pm, in unison with other events across the UK.

Services will also be held at Kenilworth Castle and at the Warwick war memorial.

Reflecting on the significance of the events, Cllr Margrove said: “It is a privilege to be part of Warwick District’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, commemorating the end of the conflict in Europe and acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of those that fought so hard for our freedoms.”

He added: “I’d be delighted to see residents join us at Newbold Comyn to light the beacon and to use it as an opportunity to pause and reflect.”

The celebrations will continue on Friday 9 May, with a 1940s-themed fish and chip supper, hosted by Warwick Town Council

In addition to the public ceremonies, military museums across Warwick are organising special exhibitions and talks throughout the day, offering deeper insights into the local and national impact of the war, and the stories of the men and women who were involved.

The celebrations will continue on Friday 9 May, with a 1940s-themed fish and chip supper, hosted by Warwick Town Council in Warwick’s Court House ballroom.

The evening will feature music from period singer Ruby Rouge, with guests encouraged to dress in vintage attire.

Tickets for the event are priced at £25 and can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in Warwick.