On Thursday 8th May 2025 Beverley and the nation commemorated VE Day 80. In 1945 People came together across the country to celebrate the end of the war in europe.
Beverley played an important roll in the war and many served with distinction in the forces.
Beverley marked the occasion, with flags and decorations being put up around the town on the build up to the day. The flags and decorations will stay up until VJ Day 15th August 2025.
Beverley Town Council with support from Beverley and District Chamber of Trade, East Riding of Yorkshire Council VE and VJ Day 80th Anniversary Community Fund, Royal British Legion, ert, St Marys Church and SSAFA events were planned in line with national celebrations.
The Morning of 8th May 2025, Vernon Kay and his team from Radio 2 arrived at Beverley's Memorial Hall to broadcast live to the nation.
Listeners will understand the special relationship Vernon has with Linda, a lady from Beverley, who went on his show at the start of her cancer treatment. Vernon kept in touch as promised and delivered by coming upto Beverley to meet her and broadcast this special show from her home town.
When Vernon and Radio 2 set up in our market town, hosting a live event and having an audience of invited guests, the benefits extend far beyond just broadcasting.
Culturally, it puts Beverley on the map, giving it a voice in national conversations and reflecting its unique character to a wider audience. Along with Vernon coming to town, Beverley born Calum Scott performed live as a rehearsal before heading south to be part of the Kings celebrations later in the day in London, a testimony to Calum and his connection with the area.
Vernon and his team, broadcast stories from locals, listening intently and getting a grasp of what life was like on VE Day and the impact it had on familes. Guests, locals and people listening on the radio were lifted by Vernon and his team, their expertise, knowledge and slick presentation over the airwaves, their time in Beverley will remain as special to all for many varied reasons.
The feeling of uplift and positivity, smiles and mutual respect between Beverley and the Radio 2 team, was their to be seen and listened to, memories of a lifetime. We thank all involved for making the day special in many ways and to start VE Day 80 in such a fantatsic way.
Beverley continued with VE Day 80, a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who secured peace in Europe. Local celebrations play a vital role in this remembrance, bringing communities together to honor the past while strengthening connections in the present. The picnic in Coronation Gardens did just that, with the ceremony starting at 6pm running through to 9.30pm with Words of welcome, VE Day declaration, The nation Sings, The last post, Lighting the Beacon, National Bell Ringing, Music, Dancers and a 1940s medley from She productions.
With gatherings in and around Beverley from parades to street parties this ensures the stories of veterans are passed down to future generations.
These community parties continue to build a sense of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that the spirit of resilience and togetherness is as important today as it was 80 years ago.
