Looking back at how we marked VE Day in 1945
AHOST of events will take place in Stockport town centre to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day.
On Friday (May 8) it will be 70 years since the Allies accepted Germany’s surrender to bring The Sec- ond World War to an end in Europe.
At the time there were huge celebrations and it is hoped Stockport residents will take to the streets once again in 2015.
There will be a beacon lighting ceremony and tribute at Stockport Art Gallery War Memorial, on Wellington Road South, on Friday at 9.15pm.
Earlier in the day, at 3pm to coincide with the time Winston Churchill broke news of VE Day, the will be a two-minute silence.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday celebrations continue at Stockport Market Place and Stockport Museum with a 1940s-themed weekend from 10am to 4pm.
There will be stalls and music and the area will be decorated with bunting and flags. Highlights include quizzes, 1940s makeovers, a petting zoo and fairground rides.
And on Sunday a Remembrance service at St Mary’s Church will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Kevin Hogg, said: “This celebrates and commemorates a momentous day in this country’s history.
“We hope the events planned will do it justice and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and join in and mark the day that so many people gave their lives to help make happen.”
Events have been organised by Stockport Council with partners including Stockport Heritage Trust.
There are also other venues in the town centre hosting VE Day events, including St Peter’s Church on St Petersgate.
It is hosting an indoor street party on Friday from 6pm with visitors asked to take a picnic – preferably with 1940s food – and dress in clothes from the era. There will be an old fashioned sing-a-long and war veteran Norman Didsbury will play the organ.
A book will allow people to share their memories from VE Day and there will be a display of memorabilia and street part photos.
The event is free but donations to the church would be welcome.
And the following day its monthly organ concert will be VE Day themed with nostalgic music. It takes place from 10am to 1pm.