Thanet is getting prepared to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with beacon lightings, street parties and music.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day signalled the end of World War II in Europe. At one minute past midnight on the 8th May 1945, hostilities with Nazi Germany officially ended and the guns across Europe fell silent. Celebrations took place all over the nation and the day is now officially marked as VE Day.
Margate
In Margate the Charter Trustees invite you to the lighting of the Margate Beacon on May 8th as part of a national tribute to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
From 8:30pm – Cadets and veterans will arrive, followed by a short service of reflection.
At 9:30pm – The Margate Beacon will be lit.
Broadstairs
Join Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council at Broadstairs Bandstand on May 8th from 7pm for music to celebrate 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, also known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
There will be music from Thanet Concert Band 7pm-9pm, followed by a tribute reading and then the beacon lighting on Viking Bay.
Local schools will be creating artwork and poems to be viewed at the event.
There is also a street party being organised for Park Avenue and off shoot roads.
This will be raising money for the RBLI and organisers are looking for some donations for the raffle
The event includes entertainment from local singer Victoria Bass people are invited to attend in 1940 costumes.
To help with raffle prizes contact Kim on [email protected]
Ramsgate
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day with Ramsgate Tunnels on May 8th
Open from 7.30pm with live music from approximately 8.15pm. Music will continue after the beacon lighting at 9.30pm until approximately 10.30pm
Ramsgate Tunnels will have Hullabaloo playing to commemorate this significant event in our country’s history.
Hullabaloo is a local Kent based popular band that will get you in the mood to dance and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the evening.
Guests are welcome to bring their own nibbles to celebrate with friends and family and a small licensed bar will be available on site.
Tickets £15pp Book now
Ramsgate Town Council will be lighting the town beacon at 9.30pm on the sands outside Ramsgate Tunnels and The Ramsgate Mayor will read the tribute during this countrywide ceremony.
On 10th May – 11th May commemorate the 80th Anniversary VE Day at the Ramsgate Royal British Legion.
10th May – music from the Swingtime Sweethearts 8.30pm
11th May – music from the Cockney Nights (Chas & Dave tribute) 2pm
Feel free to dress for the occasion and everyone is welcome.
Birchington
On Monday, May 5th there will be a VE Day 80th Anniversary – Indoor Street Party from 2pm at Birchington United Services Club
Bring your own picnic
Entertainment with resident DJ Andy Turner
Dress vintage
Pop in to the club or message via facebook to reserve a table!
Minster
At Minster and Monkton RBL Club a week of celebrations is planned for the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, starting on the 5th May with an afternoon tea and live music with Tara James – Entertainer .
Finishing with a cockney party with “The Spice Chavs” on the 10th May. get your flat caps on, dress in your best union flag outfit and come have some pie & Mash from Bellas Kitchen Minster
More events at the club for the week to be announced.
Margate
In Margate from May 2-4, a vintage themed weekend also celebrating VE Day kicks off on the Friday evening with the retro sounds of Si Cranstoun.
On Saturday, road closures will be in place throughout key areas including the Piazza, Market Square and the High Street (including the upper section) to make way for a town-wide celebration, with businesses running promotions, vintage themed food and drinks offers and more, alongside a programme of music from talent local artists, groups, drummers and more.
Businesses confirmed as taking part are: No32 / Potting Shop / Old Kent Market / McDonalds / Petals / Little Swift / Follow The Swirl / Batchelors / Mill Place Cafe / Pop Up Margate / SEK / Margo in Margate / The MED / Margate Coffee Shed / Pop Up Margate / King’s Emporium / Sub-Rosa / AARVEN / Scissortail / Mr Sims Sweet Shop / Little Fish Cafe and more to come!
Expect dancers, live music, street parties, and special promotions hosted by participating local businesses.
The event is free and has been organised by Margate Town Action Group (MTAG) , a newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC), created by locals, for locals.
There will also be a raffle in support of the Veterans Association, with prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets are £1 each, and the live prize draw will take place on Wednesday 14th May.
You can buy these from sellers across Margate over the Vintage Weekend including No32, Potting Shop and Batchelors as well as from stands over the weekend.
Find more info and a programme to come ahead of the event at the MTAG Facebook page For more info please email MTAG – [email protected]
Westgate
May 8th, there will ba a service at the War Memorial on Sea Road at 11am, followed by refreshments at Westgate town council offices on St Mildreds Road from noon.
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Although only a nipper 80 years ago, I do remember the 8th May, because it was my Granny’s birthday! She was my mums mum, and she was born on the 8th May 1879! I also remember being shown street lights, that I had never seen before, due to the blackout! I have a flashback picture of a load women in my Granny’s parlour drinking beer! There were no men. My Aunty June got quite drunk, and was made to sit on a chair in the back yard, with all the rabbit hutches. Everyone bred rabbits, for the pot not as pets! Many years later I learned my Aunty June was not my Aunty, she was my cousin! My mum was the last of 12, so I had dozens of cousins, and June had been brought up by my Granny, because her mum, married to my uncle Harold had died of TB. It was normal in those days for orphans to be passed on to other relatives, and as Harold was at least 20 years older than my mum, who was his sister, June grew up at Granny’s. My mum was her aunt, and they went to school together! Europe is once more experiencing war, and we can only hope and pray it never comes our way again!
Thank you. Interesting stuff