‘The atmosphere was full of joy, reflection and community spirit’

THE National Memorial Arboretum hosted VE Day celebrations right across the bank holiday weekend.

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS

An extended weekend of commemorations to mark eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe took place at the 150-acre site in Alrewas.

It featured a wide range of family activities inspired by the spirit of the nationwide street parties that took place in 1945.

The weekend is part of the arboretum's 'The year was 1945... programme commemorating the end of the Second World War in Europe and then the Far East.

Rachel Smith, Head of Learning and Participation at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: "It's been a fantastic start to our VE Day 80 celebrations - the atmosphere has been full of joy, reflection and community spirit, reminiscent of the wave of jubilation that would have engulfed the country in 1945.