How VE Day was celebrated in Liverpool

THIS week marks 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe. VE Day - which stands for 'Victory in Europe' Day - marks the day when the German armed forces signed an unconditional surrender, and began the process of bringing the war to an end after nearly six years.

- By JESS MOLYNEUX ECHO Reporter

On May 8, 1945, millions of people rejoiced at the news and since then, VE Day has been marked annually on May 8 across Europe. Events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day have already begun on Merseyside and yesterday, Sunday, May 4, a full 50-piece band comprising the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes & Drums accompanied by The Scot Guards Association Pipes & Drums and the Wirral Pipe Band took to Castle Street to perform to crowds.

Throughout this week, memorial services, historical talks, songs and plays are scheduled to take place in Liverpool, Wirral, and Sefton and Knowsley to commemorate the occasion, and honour the lives of those who fought for freedom, contributed to the war effort, and helped to secure peace. And ahead of VE Day, we wanted to take a look back at celebrations as they happened in Liverpool 80 years ago.