Very Exciting collection of events for milestone

CONCERTS, PICNICS, POPPY TRAILS AND MORE WILL BE HELD ACROSS CITY AND COUNTY TO MARK 80 YEARS SINCE VE DAY

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

NEXT month will mark the 80th anniversary of the day victory was declared in Europe in World War Two.

Thursday, May 8 is VE (Victory in Europe) Day, but some communities all across Derbyshire will start to celebrate this significant milestone this weekend, as they honour those who served, supported, and gave their lives for their country.

Many free events will allow communities to celebrate the day.

ALFRETON: The VE Day flag will be raised at Alfreton House on May 8 at 9am. Bells will be rung at St Martin's Church at 6.30pm, followed by a service at 8pm and the lighting of the lamp of peace at 9.30pm. A picnic on the lawn of Alfreton House with music by Sarah Bright will be held on May 10 from noon.

ASHBOURNE: A free family event will be held at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, May 10, between 2pm and 9.45pm. Children will be able to test their skills at a climbing wall, get their faces painted and enjoy a swingboat and a bouncy slide.

Walkabout artists, live music and food stalls will provide entertainment for the whole family. The event will close with a firework display at 9.30pm.

BAKEWELL: A VE Day poppy trail will run at Bakewell Visitor Centre, Bakewell Town Hall, Bakewell Parish Church and Bakewell Old Hall Museum from May 5 to May 11.

Children will lay poppies at a short service at the war memorial in Bath Gardens at 9am on May 8, when an indoor street party with food and quiz will also be held, tickets £8. There will be a special VE80 service at Bakewell Parish Church on May 11.