Communities prepare to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

RESIDENTS are set to gather to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

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Events will take place on VE Day itself on Thursday (May 8), with more planned this weekend and next. There will be exhibitions, street parties, and acts of Remembrance.

More than 1,000 beacons and several hundred 'lamp lights of peace' are expected to be lit across the UK to celebrate the 80th anniversary.

In Guildford, with its High Street decorated in Union flags, there will be a short public flag-raising ceremony at 9am at the Guildhall on Thursday, where the Town Crier will mark the official start of the day's commemorations with the VE Day proclamation.

From 8pm, people are invited to gather for an evening celebration in Stoke Park, beginning at 8.45pm with a performance by professional singer Emily Martine, who will be performing a mix of classic wartime hits, swing tunes, and British anthems.