Chelmsford to commemorate VE Day 80 with special city centre event

Chelmsford For You has announced a family-friendly commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this May.  

The event has seen them partner with Chelmsford City Council and 12 other organisations across Chelmsford and Essex to deliver an entire day of activities on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May, exploring Chelmsford’s rich World War II history. Further event partners include Essex Record Office, Historic Military Vehicle Association, Blesma, Essex County Council, Anglia Ruskin University, Museum of Chelmsford, Hylands Estate, The Salvation Army, Tiptree, First Bus, Spark!, and Chelmsford Cathedral.

This May, the nation will come together to mark 80 years since World War II ended in Europe on 8 May 1945. Events will take place across the country to commemorate this significant occasion, paying tribute to the countless sacrifices made for freedom during the war and reflecting on the values of peace and unity that we continue to uphold.

Activities to educate, commemorate and unite

Chelmsford For You’s VE Day 80 commemoration event will take place in the heart of the city centre from 10am to 5pm. The free event promises an engaging mix of educational displays and immersive attractions that bring the stories of wartime Chelmsford to life.

Activities will include an exhibition exploring Chelmsfordian experiences during World War II, featuring wartime artefacts, photographs and personal narratives. There’ll also be talks and guided walks by local historians detailing Chelmsford’s pivotal role in the war and key wartime locations in our city.

Military vehicles and vintage buses from the war era will be on display in Tindal Square, providing a chance to view them up close and discover the critical role these vehicles played during the war.

Live performances will take place throughout the day, including 1940s music and drummer displays, to capture the spirit of Victory in Europe in 1945. There’ll also be children’s World War II-themed arts and crafts and dressing up opportunities.

Chelmsford For You’s BID Manager, Sara Tupper, said this special event aims to bring people together to learn about and honour the history of World War II:

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“VE Day 80 is a unique opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who lived through the war while educating our community on Chelmsford’s vital role during World War Two. We are delighted to bring together an array of local organisations, businesses, charities, and services to create an enriching experience for all.”

Sara Tupper, BID Manager, Chelmsford For You

Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Stephen Robinson, says the city council is proud to be supporting events to commemorate VE80 this year:

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“Chelmsford City Council is pleased to be linked with events commemorating the 80 years since World War Two ended in Europe in 1945. The war took and affected millions of lives and we pay tribute to the sacrifices of all of them in the fight against fascism.

“Chelmsford’s historic role in World War Two is often not recognised. From the contributions of Hoffman and Marconi factories here in Chelmsford – which made the town a target for enemy bombers – to the role of Hylands House as a base for the SAS.

“Chelmsford For You’s special VE Day event is one of many activities taking place across Chelmsford this May to commemorate VE80 – and what a spectacular event it is set to be! Such events should give us a chance to pause and reflect on the costs of war, which remain relevant today in other parts of Europe. We are very much looking forward to partnering with Chelmsford For You and other Chelmsford organisations to deliver this memorable event.”

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

Further events to mark VE80 across Chelmsford

Chelmsford For You’s full event line-up is set to be announced over the coming weeks via their dedicated VE Day hub: www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsford-ve-day and their Facebook and Instagram pages.

There’ll be further events taking place across the district throughout May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. These include a special Open Estate Day on 11 May at Hylands Estate, which will feature an exhibition in the Library on Hylands’ role as SAS Headquarters during the war.

Chelmsford Garden Community Council will be holding their own family-friendly commemorative event on Saturday 3 May from 2.30pm, which will feature music, singing and dancers as well as World War II memorabilia. The following week, on Thursday 8 May, they’ll be lighting the Channels Park beacon on the official anniversary of VE Day.

Other events taking place around Chelmsford this May include beacon lightings and commemorative services.

Special services of thanks and remembrance will also take place in churches and village halls around the district, including a choral service at Chelmsford Cathedral and a commemorative service at Keene Hall in Galleywood, both on 8 May.

More information on VE Day 80 plans will be revealed in the coming weeks. Sign up to the city council’s e-newsletters to keep up to date with what’s coming up in Chelmsford.

Deadline for street party road closures coming up

Communities across the country are encouraged to take part in honouring the 80th anniversary of VE Day this May, whether through large-scale events or by marking it privately at home. When Victory in Europe was announced in 1945, many Chelmsfordians held street parties to celebrate peace in Europe. You could commemorate their celebratory spirit in 2025 by holding your own street party alongside your neighbours.

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

If you’re thinking about holding a street party to mark VE Day, you’ll need to apply for permission to close your road by Friday 28 March. To apply, simply head over to our website and complete the short form.

Once this is done, you can start planning the day! Check out The Street Party Site for tips, ideas and party kits.