A special programme of events marking the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE 75) will take place all over the UK and Commonwealth during the Early May Bank Holiday 2020. Commemorations are expected to be held in local communities and Hedon will be one of those marking the anniversary. The UK Bank Holiday has been switched from the Monday until Friday, May 8 to accommodate the anniversary events.
Friday, May 8 will see VE 75 activities at 3pm which is the time that Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced ‘Peace in Europe’ in 1945. On Market Hill in Hedon, a series of VE 75 events are planned including a brass band, singers, dancers and World War II re-enactments. There will be a 1940’s fancy dress competition for children. St Augustine’s Church will be hosting special VE 75 exhibitions over the weekend set up by the Hedon Museum and the Hedon Women’s Institute.
The Hedon Royal British Legion Club is expected to join in with clubs and pubs all over the country in raising a VE 75 ‘National Toast to the Heroes’ at 3pm when Hundreds of thousands of people across the country will repeat the toast “To those who gave so much, We thank You!”
The day will conclude at 7pm in Hedon when the bells of St. Augustine’s Church will ring out to celebrate the peace.
On Saturday, May 9 a special concert will be held at the St. Augustine’s Church in the evening. On Sunday, May 10 there will be a civic parade and service taking place from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
