Details of VE Day events across Preston, Chorley, Leyland, Lostock Hall and Longridge

Beacon lighting on the Flag Market Pic: Michael Porter Photography

As Preston prepares to mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), a series of commemorative events will be held across the city and beyond.

VE Day, (Victory in Europe Day), was a momentous occasion on May 8, 1945. This date signifies the end of World War II in Europe as it marked the day when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces.

On this day people poured into the streets across Europe and in Allied nations, relieved and joyful that the long and devastating war in Europe was finally over. It was a day of immense hope and marked a turning point in history.

Across Preston and the surrounding areas, events will be taking place to mark this significant day.

A previous military parade in Preston Pic: Michael Porter Photography

Chorley

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Thursday 8th May, a proclamation reading, illumination of Rivington Pike and beacon lighting event will take place in Astley Park.

Later in the week, a VE Day themed Picnic in the Park will return to Astley Park on Sunday 11 May.

From 12pm to 4pm, people can enjoy free entertainment with a ‘through the decades’ themed music acts on the event stage, walkabout acts, dancing, a chance to learn circus skills and stalls from local cadet groups and military regiments.

There will also be face painting and wooden fairground rides which will be paid activities. Food and drink will also be available to purchase on the day.

People are welcome to bring a blanket, pick a spot and enjoy a picnic on the lawns in front of historic house Astley Hall.

Lancashire Vehicle Club will also be showcasing a wonderful range of cars in Astley Park with their free static car rally. Astley Hall Museum will be open to the public (usual admittance fees apply).

Caroline Wolfenden, Director of Change and Delivery at Chorley Council, said: “Picnic in the Park is a great event for bringing people of all ages together, and it feels especially important this year as we commemorate the VE Day anniversary alongside providing a wonderful day of free family entertainment.”

For more event details and updates visit here.

Leyland

Leyland Town Team has organised an event marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The event will take place on Saturday 10th May from 11:30am at Hough Lane, Leyland. There will be stalls, refreshments, children’s activities & live music on the stage from 12noon.

There will be tribute artists from the 1940’s, a live pipe band on stage, then as the day goes on, we have local dj’s playing, taking us to closure at 18.30pm.

It is also encouraged for people to attend in 1940’s fancy dress.

Find out more information via their website.

Lostock Hall

A beacon lighting tribute will take place on Thursday 8th May from 9pm at the Cenotaph at Hope Terrace, Lostock Hall with the beacon being lit at 9:30pm.

The event will include a VE Day tribute ready by the Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Peter Mullineaux and music by Lostock Hall Memorial Band including the song ‘I vow thee to my country’ which will be played at all beacon lighting events.

For more information on this event visit their website.

Longridge

Longridge is welcoming a vintage celebration weekend to mark VE Day. This event promises a day of family fun, nostalgia and community spirit.

On Thursday 8th May, there will be a beacon lighting ceremony at Longridge Memorial Gardens to honour VE Day.

At 9am the flag will be raised and from 6:45pm, there will be entertainment from local dance group, Corps of Drums, Longridge Band and local Hand Bell ringing, leading up to the
Lighting of the Beacon at 21:30.

The event will take place on Saturday 3rd May and Longridge Town Council have made it an event to remember.

There will be live entertainment featuring local dance groups, The Cadets Corps of
Drums, music, and market stalls in the Civic Hall.

Also at the Civic Hall, there will be vintage vehicles, film screenings and a look at 1940’s food and engaging history presentations at the Heritage Centre and Civic Hall.

There will be themed food and drink across the town, including delightful afternoon teas and 1940’s dancing at the Old Station Cafe.

A competition will also be held for best shop window display.

Find out more about the event via their website.

Preston Flag Market

Preston’s Flag Market will host a VE Day 80th-anniversary civiv event on May 8th.

This event will include a beacon lighting ceremony with choir performances and tributes from cadets and military veterans.

The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe will also be in attendance.

For more event details visit their website.

If you know of other VE Day events happening in and around Preston, then do let us know on contactus@blogpreston.co.uk and we will add them.

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