Celebrating VE Day in Cherwell

Cherwell District Council is encouraging residents to join in a VE Day celebration event near them as the country marks 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe on Thursday, 8 May.

Published: Tuesday, 6th May 2025

Councillor Rob Pattenden, Armed Forces Champion, said: "Celebrations took place across the country when fighting in Europe came to an end 80 years ago.

"We are proud of our deep and long-standing connection to the Armed Forces in Cherwell district, and I encourage residents to come together and honour the Second World War generation and the sacrifices they made by attending one of the civic events organised by Banbury Town Council and Bicester Town Council."

Banbury Town Council and Bicester Town Council are running civic events marking VE Day.

• Banbury Town Council's VE Day event is happening at the town hall on Thursday, 8 May from 11:30am.
• Bicester Town Council's VE Day event is at Garth Park on Thursday, 8 May from 9am to 10:15pm.

Additionally, the district council has made it easier for residents to arrange their own street parties by waiving fees for road closures.

Cherwell is committed to supporting the armed forces in Oxfordshire as a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a pledge that the council will acknowledge and understand those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families, and treat them with fairness and respect. As part of this commitment, the council has a range of policies designed to support reservists and service leavers.

People can find more information about how to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day by visiting ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

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