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VE Day 80 celebrations in Lincolnshire

VE Day 80 celebrations in Lincolnshire

BBC News21-04-2025

People in Boston are being encouraged to join or organise a street or garden party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on 8 May to mark the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945.Organised events include The Haven VE Day Celebrations at White House Lane in Boston from 10:30 to 18:00 BST.A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council said: "We're inviting everyone to come together for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today."
A thanksgiving service will be held at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) , The Spire, Lincoln on the 11 May at 10:30 BST.The IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two.
Skegness flypast
Events in Skegness include a ukulele band, a standards parade, flags raised and thanksgiving speech from the mayor between 10:00 to 12.30 BST on 8 May.On 10th May, The Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion and Skegness Carnival are hosting an event which includes vintage military vehicles, stalls, 1940s music and local choirs from 10:00 to 16:00 BST.Both events will be held at Tower Gardens in Skegness, include a Battle of Britain Memorial flypast and are free of charge.
Celebrations in Grantham commence on 4 May with a raising of the flag, tea dance, followed by lighting of a beacon in Wyndham Park.At Grantham House, Soldiers From The Sky exhibition, which tells the story of how two of the biggest battles involving paratroopers were planned in Lincolnshire, will be on display. The free event, from 10:00 to 16:00 BST, will also include memorabilia displays from historic airfields, World War Two jeeps and military re-enactments.On 8 May, military exhibits will be on display at Wyndham Park's visitor centre, alongside music and dance from Grantham School of Dance, followed by a beacon lighting at 21:30 BST.South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms."
Beacon lighting
In Burgh le Marsh, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill restaurant.The event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00 BST on 8 May.
Live music
A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and balloon-modelling.Live music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit.
Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road at 11:00 BST on 8 May.In Carters Park in Holbeach lamps of peace will be lit, food stalls, music and the lighting of the beacon will take place on 8 May from 17:00 to 22:00 BST.
Food, music and games will kick off events at Branston and Mere Village Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 BST.A range of vehicles from the 1940s and military will also be on display.
Are you planning a VE Day event? Let us know. Email looknorthemail@bbc.co.ukListen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

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