Preston’s VJ Day service and military parade confirmed

A previous military parade in Preston city centre Pic: Michael Porter Photography

As VE Day commemorations prepare to take place on the Flag Market during Thursday the city has confirmed how it will also mark 80 years since VJ Day.

Victory Over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the end of fighting in the Far East and the end of the Second World War following the end of fighting in Europe earlier in 1945.

Preston City Council has confirmed the long-running VJ Day service in Preston Cemetery will also be joined by a military parade in the city centre in the events calendar.

Armed Forces Champion councillor Mel Close said: “It’s important that we remember both VE Day and especially VJ Day, which marked the end of WWII, and the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families.

“By commemorating these events in Preston, especially on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we honour those who gave so much.

“The VJ Day event on 16 August allows us to welcome more people to reflect, remember, and show their support.”

The VJ Day service will be leading by the Mayor of Preston councillor Philip Crowe on Friday 15 August at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial in Preston Cemetery from 10am. It’s been held every year since 1947 without fail, including becoming socially distanced during the Covid pandemic.

On Saturday 16 August the Flag Market from 10am will see a military parade followed by a range of events, performances, workshops and vintage music taking the city back to the wartime period.

Further details on the Saturday programme are due to be released in the coming months by the city council.

The VJ Day events follow the VE Day commemorations which will see the beacon lighting on the Flag Market during Thursday (8 May) evening to mark 80 years since the end of fighting in Europe. The Preston Markets canopy will also be lit red, white and blue on Thursday evening.

President of the Lancashire Armed Forces Association, Colonel David Waters, said: “It would be easier to generalise and talk about freedom and democracy, but in this last week, we’ve also had the anniversary of the liberation of Belsen Concentration Camp, and if that was to concentrate your mind on something, it’s about what people did lose in Europe through the occupation of the Germans, and so that in itself is a reason to celebrate VE Day.”

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