Chelmsford to commemorate VE Day 80 this May

This May, Chelmsford will join organisations and communities across the UK in marking the 80th anniversary of VE or ‘Victory in Europe’ Day.

On 8 May 1945, World War Two came to an end in Europe following the defeat of the Nazis. After almost six years of war, the long-anticipated end to fighting in Europe was celebrated by people from all walks of life, who came together in spontaneous gatherings across the UK and Europe.

Historic photographs of a VE Day Street party held in Widford Close in Chelmsford in 1945. Photos courtesy of Museum of Chelmsford

Events are set to take place across the district this May to mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day and to pay tribute to those who lived, fought and died during World War Two.

Though war had ended in Europe, it’s important to remember that VE Day did not mark the end of World War Two globally, with war in the East continuing until Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August 1945.

As we approach May, here’s our roundup of VE Day 80 activities happening across the Chelmsford district.

Flying the VE80 flag

From Thursday 8 May, a special VE Day 80 flag will fly over the Civic Centre in tribute to those who gave their lives at home and abroad, and whose sacrifice enabled peace and freedom today. Great Baddow Parish Council will also be flying the VE Day 80 flag over their Recreation Ground on 8 May.

To mark the historic occasion, The Mayor of Chelmsford will join other mayors, town criers and officials across the country in reading the official VE Day 80 Proclamation in remembrance of the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those who lived, served and lost their lives during World War Two. The proclamation will be recorded and shared on the city council and mayor’s social media channels from 9am on 8 May.

The lighting of the beacons

Several locations across Chelmsford will once again be lighting their beacons this year in a special moment of united celebration and remembrance across the country and overseas.

A lit beacon, photo by Paul Starr; and a poster for a VE Day 80 service at Keene Hall in Galleywood.

Galleywood service and beacon lighting

On the morning of Thursday 8 May, Galleywood Parish Council will be lighting a small beacon following a special commemorative service at Keene Hall. The Mayor of Chelmsford will be present, and all are welcome to join in this moment of celebration for VE Day. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

South Woodham Ferrers Beacon lighting

Later in the evening on 8 May, South Woodham Ferrers has a VE Day 80 beacon lighting event from 6.30pm onwards at the Village Hall Playing Fields.

There’ll be live musical entertainment throughout the evening from the Sid Bolan Band and Bel Canto Singers. The Hall bar will also be open for refreshments, including fish and chips! From 9.25pm a Bugler will play before their beacon is officially lit and a tribute is read by the Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers, Cllr Alan Shearring. Attendance is free for South Woodham Ferrers residents – just turn up and enjoy the celebrations.

Chelmsford Garden Community Beacon lighting

Chelmsford Garden Community Council’s beacon lighting event on 8 May commences at 9pm, with the official beacon lighting taking place at 9.30pm. The Mayor of Chelmsford will be in attendance to provide a short speech, and the Salvation Army band will be playing.

No tickets are required so just pop down to Channels Park to watch the event. Limited parking facilities are available at Falcon Bowls Club, CM3 3FB.

Wartime display and talks at Museum of Chelmsford

Over at the Museum of Chelmsford, VE Day 80 is being commemorated through a World War Two-themed refresh of their costume gallery as well as talks on Chelmsford’s war experience.

On display are wartime uniforms from the museum's collection as well as the Essex Regiment Museum collection, including a Red Cross Nurse uniform, Marconi factory overalls and uniforms of the Polish Armoured Regiment, Women’s Auxiliary Service and Essex Yeomanry.

A new display at the Museum of Chelmsford looks back on WWII through uniforms and ceramic poppies.

Twenty-one ceramic red poppies from the Tower of London are also on display alongside the uniforms. Each of the poppies originally featured in the Tower of London’s public art display ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, which was first created in the tower moat in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. In 2018, the Museum of Chelmsford was given 69 of them for their collection.

Talks on 8 and 10 May will explore Chelmsford’s experience of the war in further detail. On 8 May, team member Rachel will look at the important role the Women’s Land Army played during the war, focusing on the day-to-day experience of local Land Army Girl, Dorothy Capon. On 10 May, volunteer John will narrate The Chronicles of Chelmsford At War 1939-1945 by Andrew J Begent, sharing insights into the impact of the war on Chelmsfordians. Both talks are included with entry to the museum.

Talks at the Museum of Chelmsford will cover Chelmsford's experience of World War Two.

Garden Community family day – sold out!

If you’re lucky, you’ll have already secured tickets for Chelmsford Garden Community’s family-friendly VE80 celebration event on Saturday 3 May, as it’s already sold out! They’ll be marking the anniversary with music, singing and dancers, as well as World War II memorabilia.

Chelmsford For You commemorative event

Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to get tickets to the above VE Day event, as Chelmsford For You have you covered with another free day of music, learning and immersive experiences on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May. There’ll be historic walks, a Chelmsford at War exhibition, Children’s dressing up activities, 1940s performers and military vehicles on display, as well as plenty of food and drink options.

Find out more about the day in our recent City Life article.

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council sing-a-long

On Sunday 11 May, from 1-3pm South Woodham Ferrers Town Council is holding a seniors sing-a-long event at Champions Manor Hall for South Woodham Ferrers’ senior residents.

Refreshments will be provided as you sing along to timeless 1940s favourites at this spirited tribute event. Tickets are £2 per person and on sale from 23 April. These events are usually very popular, and tickets are limited to manage capacities – so book your tickets soon!

Chelmsford Civic Society VE Day event

On Thursday 8 May, as we mark the exact date that war ended in Europe and people across the UK celebrated in the streets in 1945, Chelmsford Civic Society will be holding their own celebratory event.

The free day of activities in Tindal Square will include musical performances, a Winston Churchill walkabout impersonator, military vehicles, refreshments and a raffle. Pop down from 2-5pm on 8 May to take part.

Tribute VE Day sculptures created by local handyman and ex-serviceman

Following last year’s special D-Day 80 sculptures, Parish Council Handyman John Cousins has this year created further artworks to commemorate VE80.

John is an ex-serviceman himself, having served 26 years in the British Army with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) TA, reaching the rank of Artificer Quartermaster Sergeant before retiring in 1995.

His 2024 D-Day sculptures were an eye-catching tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. This year’s sculptures again honour those who fought for freedom 80 years ago. They are on display in Bicknacre, West Hanningfield and South Woodham Ferrers, serving as a tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.

VE Day 80 artwork adorns village green signs in several Chelmsford villages.

Special Service and talks at Chelmsford Cathedral

On Friday 9 May, Chelmsford Cathedral will host a special choral service celebrating VE Day 80 with the Royal British Legion, Essex Yeomanry and Civic Representatives from across the county. The service begins at 5.15pm and will also be live streamed from the cathedral’s YouTube channel for those who can’t attend in person.

The cathedral will also be hosting two talks on Monday 5 May in collaboration with Chelmsford For You. Dr Catherine Pearson from Anglia Ruskin University will explore personal stories of local people who experienced the Second World War in Chelmsford, while Rosalind Mercer will talk about local wartime artist, Rosemary Rutherford.

Hylands’ May Open Estate Day

Hylands Estate’s May Open Estate Day on Sunday 11 May also gives a nod to the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special exhibition on Hylands' role during World War Two.

The exhibition includes information on the SAS who used Hylands House as their Headquarters, including the famous Captain Paddy Blair Mayne, who took up residence with his soldiers. There’s a list of wartime incidents with details of bombs that fell in and around Hylands Estate, as well as information on how the estate was at one time used as German Prisoner of War camp.

Hylands Estate's May Open Estate Day exhibition will explore the role of Hylands House during World War Two.

There’s also the chance for little ones to get involved in the celebrations by making their own spitfire paper aircraft.

In addition, the usual Open Estate Day festivities will be in full swing, including the Essex Foodies Market, live music, house tours and storytelling.  

How you can mark the occasion from home

If you won’t make it to any of the events outlined above, you can still mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day from home this May. Official VE80 guidance from the Royal Pageantmaster’s office suggests eating fish and chips – which fed the nation during World War Two – on VE Day, and if you feel up for it, singing the British anthem ‘I Vow to Thee My Country’!

Find out more about VE Day commemorations around the UK this year at www.ve80.com and www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk.