On May 8, 2025, the entire nation, along with our friends and allies around the world, will come together for VE Day 80, marking 80 years of peace. This is more than just a commemoration – it’s a joyful celebration of reconciliation, unity, and the lasting peace that has brought us together.
The celebrations will begin at 9:00am with hundreds of Town Criers throughout the nation delivering a spirited VE Day 80 Proclamation, setting the tone for a day of fun and togetherness. The Mayor, Cllr Alex Sinton, will be joined by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Dr The Hon Gilbert Greenall CBE to raise the special VE day 80 flag at St Richard’s House.
10:00-19:00 VE Day Exhibition in Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre. ‘Droitwich at War’, a temporary exhibition, will be on display from Thursday 1 May until Thursday 15 May. (Late night opening on 8 May).
11:00 War Memorial in Victoria Square – a service with RBL Branch and RBL Standards including a presentation of wreaths by the Vice Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor.
Entertainment will be from 16:30 at Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre:
16:30-17:00 Punch and Judy – a traditional show as seen in the 1940’s.
18:00 1940’s Music Entertainment – A live singer, performing a 90 minute set of 1940’s/ WW2 themed music.
19:45 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron Air Cadets.
21:30 Beacon Lighting at St Augustine’s Church. The Salvation Army band will play a 20 minute set from 21:10, until the beacon is lit at 21:30. The RBL, RBL Standards, Chaplaincy, The Salvation Army band and the Droitwich Troop ACF (Army Cadets Force) will all be in attendance. At 9.30pm, the night sky will be lit up as over one thousand Beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace shine across the UK, with the flames from both, representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war. This isn’t just about remembering the past – it’s about celebrating and enduring the spirit of peace that we all share today, and the friendships that have grown stronger over the last eighty years.
Due to the fact that Fish and Chips – Britain’s favourite dish, was not rationed by Prime Minister Churchill during the whole of WWII, we also want to use this occasion to continue paying tribute to the brave fishermen who fished the seas and the farmers and land girls who toiled in the fields, by encouraging the eating of Fish and Chips throughout the day, as part of these VE Day 80 celebrations.
Why not grab a fish and chip supper from one of the fabulous chippies Droitwich Spa has to offer, and enjoy the 1940’s entertainment outside the historic St Richard’s House.
We look forward to seeing you!