Young and old turn out to celebrate 80 years since war ended in Europe

The city of Leeds marked VE Day in style as young and old came together to relive the day 80 years ago when World War II ended in Europe.

- by Harriet Sutton

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Abigail Marshall Katung, placed a wreath at the city’s war memorial in Victoria Gardens, watched by dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, Leeds City Council leader Coun James Lewis and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, as well as veterans and guests.

Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, marked the unconditional surrender of the German armed forces on May 8 1945, ending nearly six years of fighting in the European theatre of war.

Schools across the city also joined in the celebrations. Children and staff at Beeston Hill St Luke’s Primary School stepped back in time and donned authentic 1940s fashion— from flat caps and tea dresses to wartime uniforms —to embrace the spirit of the era.