Communities offered £500 VE Day grants by council
May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe over fascism in 1945, which led to the end of the Second World War.
Some fighting continued across parts of eastern Europe further into May, including part of Latvia and Prague, then part of Czechoslovakia. Conflict also continued in the Far East until victory over Japan in August 1945.
Anniversary plans in the Ribble Valley include the borough council raising the official VE Day 80 flag at 9am.
The Mayor will hold a beacon lighting ceremony at Clitheroe Castle at 9.30pm, in co-ordination with others being lit nationwide, and read a tribute of remembrance.
There will also be music from Clitheroe Town Band, with the hymn I Vow to Thee My Country suggested, which will be sung by those in attendance along with other songs.
VE Day community events and grants were discussed at Ribble Valley Council's latest policy and finance committee meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Marshal Scott, the council's chief executive, said: 'The council has a proud record of supporting national events and commemorations.
"This year's VE Day will be the 80th anniversary, so it's a special date.
"We aim to do something at the castle, and we are also suggesting £500 for every parish or town council in the district.'
Conservative Councillor Kevin Horkin said: 'In the past, other events have worked well.
"Will this £500 grant be automatically sent to parishes, or will there be some process involved?'
Mr Scott said: 'It is public money so it's got to be accounted for properly.
"We can't just give it out, but we'd aim for a simple process. We're suggesting a total of £20,000 to be taken from the council's general balances.
'The government's idea is that on the May Day Bank Holiday communities can get together and have street parties.
"We are planning to waive the fee for street closure procedures and trying to encourage events.'
Tory Cllr Sue Bibby said she understood one local parish had, in the past, declined a similar grant.
Councillors suggested the VE Day grant process be made as easy as possible, within reason, with the council pro-actively 'offering' grants to parish and town councils.
This motion was agreed.
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