Brentwood Borough Council will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) with a series of commemorative events designed to honour the legacy of the Second World War while bringing the community together through reflection and celebration.
On Thursday 8 May, a VE Day flag-raising ceremony will take place outside Brentwood Town Hall, led by the Mayor, Councillor Mark Haigh. The ceremony marks the borough’s official tribute to the day Allied forces celebrated the end of the war in Europe in 1945, and will offer a moment of remembrance, unity and gratitude.
While the flag-raising is the central event on 8 May, the celebrations continue into the summer. This year’s Strawberry Fair, taking place on Sunday 8 June, will feature a freedom march by 124 Essex Transport Squadron from the Town Hall to King George’s Playing Fields, further commemorating the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation. The day will also offer a lively programme of VE Day-themed live music and walkabout performances, alongside a wide variety of stalls, charity organisations, food and drink vendors, sports, health and wellbeing activities for all ages to enjoy.
Brentwood Connected BID will also be working with local artists to transform high streets across Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone with red, white and blue-themed window art and decorative bunting. In total, 35 business windows will be creatively dressed as part of a unique project that ties into the Brentwood Art Trail and the Summer Holiday programme, ensuring that VE Day is suitably honoured.
Mayor of Brentwood Councillor Mark Haigh said: “As Mayor, I’m honoured to lead Brentwood’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday 8 May, with a special flag-raising ceremony outside the Town Hall. This will be a time to reflect on the end of the Second World War in Europe and is both a moment of commemoration and celebration - a time for us to come together as a borough to honour those who fought and gave their lives for our freedom.”
Sarah Walmsley, Brentwood Connected BID Manager, said: “Brentwood Connected member businesses across Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone would like to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on our High Streets. Our tribute is something unique which aims to engage residents and visitors of all ages.”
If you are a stallholder or performer and would like to be part of this year’s Strawberry Fair, please visit brentwood.gov.uk/events-in-brentwood.
The council will also be acknowledging the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) in August, with details to be announced nearer the time.