- Royal British Legion proclamation at 9am and St Editha’s service at 11am
- Assembly Rooms afternoon tea and sing-along
- Evening poetry and music church concert
The people of Britain will come together on Thursday 8 May, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe. To mark this occasion, Tamworth Borough Council in partnership with the local branch of The Royal British Legion and St Editha’s Church, are planning a day of commemoration activities and events in the town.
Special VE flags will be raised on Marmion House and the castle tower and lighting the castle in the evening to mark the occasion, along with bunting provided for business to dress the outside of their buildings.
Commemorative Events:
Official Commemoration
Thursday 8 May
- 9am: Proclamation by Tina Clements, Chair of Royal British Legion, Tamworth Branch
- 11am: Memorial service at St. Editha's Church
- 12noon – 2pm: Free tea party and sing-along at Assembly Rooms contact Tina Clements to confirm a place: tina.clements1971@gmail.com or 07852944417. Places must be booked in advance.
- 6pm: Church bells ringing
Special Civic Displays
- VE Day flags will be raised at Marmion House and the castle tower
- Castle will be illuminated in the evening
Evening Anniversary Concert
Friday 9 May at 7.30pm
St. Editha's Church will host a special anniversary concert featuring:
- 1940s music performed by St. Editha's choir
- Wind band performance
- Poetry readings
- Classic hymns
Free admission. Tickets must be reserved at www.tamworthtickets.co.uk
Additional activities at Tamworth Castle
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May
Join the castle to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe.
Activities included in normal castle admission price.
Visitors can take part in sending morse code, decoding secret messages, pass an army medical and take the air raid shelter survival test.
As part of our celebrations, Tamworth Games Club will be reenacting some of the significant battles that occurred during WWII.
No pre-booking required. But you can book in advance here.
Tina Clements, Chair for the Royal British Legion, Tamworth Branch, said: “VE day is important because it marked the end of World War II in Europe, a six-year conflict that caused immense suffering and destruction.
“When victory was announced people took to the streets to celebrate with friends and neighbours.
“VE day marks the start of the political, economic and physical reconstruction of Europe, as well as the repatriation of refugees and displaced people.
“It’s important that we recognise this date so that it is never forgotten, and our next generation will continue to honour this important date in our history.”
Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “There’s so much planned both nationally and locally to mark VE Day 80, and we are proud to be supporting Tamworth’s Royal British Legion and St Editha’s Church with our own events in the town.
"Tamworth has always been a community that honours its heritage while looking forward. This VE Day, we're not just remembering, we're working to make sure that the stories of bravery, determination, and triumph are passed down, keeping the spirit of those who secured our freedom alive for future generations."