Oxfordshire street parties and torch processions to mark VE Day
Street parties, live 1940s-style music events and beacon lighting alongside the River Thames in Oxfordshire will mark 80 years since VE Day.Oxford City Council is waiving the road closure charge to encourage residents and community groups to host street parties.Historical displays and the traditional throwing game Aunt Sally will also feature in the week when the nation celebrates the end of World War Two in Europe.Church bells will ring out and beacons will be lit across the UK on VE Day, 8 May.
On VE Day, 8 May, Abingdon will begin commemorations with the town crier's proclamation from the County Hall roof at 09:00 BST. Banbury Town Council promises a "true street party experience" in the town hall with live music, stories and military vehicles on display.Bells will be run at churches in Bicester, Thame and Witney in the early evening, while beacon-lighting ceremonies take place in Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.In Oxford, the union flag will fly over the Town Hall and bells will peal at Carfax Tower.In Rose Hill, the Social Club will celebrate with an evening of music and Aunt Sally games, a traditional English pub game where players throw batons at a wooden skittle or "doll" placed on top of a post.
On Saturday 10 May, Woodstock will host a "a street party with living history", Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum displays, military vehicles and live 1940s-style music.A rally of MG cars will take place in Abingdon Market Place on Sunday 11 May and an exhibition of the role the car factory played in the war effort.The streets of Wantage will come alive for a vintage party, where people are invited to come dressed in their "finest 1940s attire" for a fancy dress competition. Mike Rowley, Lord Mayor of Oxford, said the anniversary was "an important opportunity for us to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation"."VE Day is a defining moment in our history and this may be one of the last opportunities we have to thank the surviving veterans, so we should celebrate them in style."By waiving the road closure charge for small street parties, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part."
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit pop superstar thanks Netflix hit Adolescence for ‘changing her relationship with her son' in heartfelt letters
The four-parter has become Netflix's second most-watched English language TV series SHOW OF THANKS Brit pop superstar thanks Netflix hit Adolescence for 'changing her relationship with her son' in heartfelt letters Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUPERSTAR Adele has written letters of thanks to the makers of Netflix hit series Adolescence. The British singer, 37, told the director of the award-winning show that she had made a point of watching it with son Angelo. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Adele has written letters of thanks to the makers of Netflix hit series Adolescence Credit: Getty 3 The series stars Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham Credit: AP 3 Adele pictured with Angelo Credit: Alamy And she praised the hard- hitting drama for 'changing her relationship' with the 12-year old — who she shares with her ex-husband Simon Konecki, 51. Film director Steven Spielberg is also a fan. The series, starring Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham, tells the story of a 13-year-old schoolboy accused of murdering a girl in his class after being brainwashed by misogynistic online content. Director Philip Barantini said: 'I am getting messages, inundated on Instagram, from people from all over the world who can relate to this story or have really been affected by it. 'That, for me, has blown my mind a little bit.' Speaking in a masterclass with the Royal Television Society, he added: 'I had a text message from Steven Spielberg who has watched it twice and I got letters from Adele last week — handwritten letters from Adele.' He continued: 'I mean, just like saying that she had watched it with her son and it has changed their relationship. 'Things like that are just beyond anything I ever imagined from this little show that we made with our family. 'You see things like Baby Reindeer and all of those shows — they come out and then they just blow up. 'It's a huge thing and that is the power of Netflix. Evil Adolescence teens butchered our kids after knife taunts & love feuds online…it's an arms war & no one feels safe 'For some reason, because we made it in Yorkshire and it is set in a small town in England, I never thought in a million years it would be the number one show in India or Venezuela.' The four-parter has become Netflix's second most-watched English language TV series, behind only Addams Family spin-off Wednesday. Adolescence has amassed 141.2million views since its debut on the streamer on March 13. It has also triggered a national debate and led to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying schools should show it to children. Sir Keir said he watched the series with his 14-year-old daughter and son, 16. He added: 'As a dad, I have not found it easy viewing.'
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
JoJo Siwa offers glimpse inside romantic cottage staycation with Chris Hughes
JoJo Siwa's relationship with Chris Hughes is only going from strength to strength, with the lovebirds enjoying a staycation in the Cotswolds this week. The Dance Moms alum, 22, met Love Island star Chris, 32, in the Celebrity Big Brother house, both making it to the final before Jack P. Shepherd was crowned winner. Their closeness was one of the biggest talking points of the series, as they were frequently seen snuggling in bed and sharing intimate conversations. While both parties maintained their bond was merely 'platonic' for a while, something shifted post-CBB, with JoJo ending things with partner Kath Ebbs, 27, at the wrap party and spending more time with Chris, who even flew to Mexico for her. And now that they have finally explicitly confirmed that they are, indeed, in a romantic relationship, it appears JoJo and Chris are keen to show it off. This week, the pair switched off from their hectic schedules and retreated to the countryside. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Taking to Instagram with a round-up of their getaway, JoJo posted a series of sweet pics to her 11.3million followers. 'Nothing beats wholesome & pure days like these', her caption began. She proceeded to detail each photo, with the first image showing Chris lifting her up and throwing her over his shoulder. 'Christopher being Christopher', she jokingly described it. Further pics included them shopping for sweets for her to take home to relatives across the pond and JoJo making tea inside their cottage. They also strolled hand-in-hand to greet the horses at the stables before riding, and tucked into a full English breakfast spread. JoJo's last photo was of her hand holding Chris's tightly. Describing the close-up romantic shot, she wrote: 'The one thing that can make everything better 🤍' The post quickly garnered thousands of likes, with fans flocking to the comments as they adjust to the 180 her life has taken since entering the doors of the CBB abode. 'Seeing Jojo in a UK kitchen is so strange and wholesome, I love it!!!! ❤️', commented @hollyr1991. 'I'm so happy that you are happy, that you are going on adventures of your choosing and thriving. You have given us so much joy, the least we can do is root for you with our whole hearts', wrote @sithprincessanakin. Also showing their approval, @krista93x said: 'You can tell how safe you feel in the UK around Christopher. We love this for you Joelle ❤️' 'Come to U.K. permanently pls, we need more jojo ❤️', begged @abbyyrose07. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video TV star Chris took to his own social media with snapshots from the trip, one being himself and JoJo smiling alongside a horse. 'Missed the countryside, happy faces all round', he wrote. Their lovey-dovey posts come after JoJo announced that not only were they officially dating, but she's also calling Chris her boyfriend. During an interview with Capital FM this week, the Karma hitmaker said: 'I'm sure it's no secret to people, I am in a lovely relationship with a sweet boy named Christopher Hughes.' She also previously opened up to The Guardian about Chris, confessing: 'It's not platonic anymore, and it's been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I'm absolutely head over heels for him and he's the same way.' JoJo was also keen to silence critics of their romance, particularly those accusing them of using it as a PR stunt. 'Clearly, you've never been around us,' she hit back. 'I won't ever speak for him, but for me personally, the happiness in my life just radiates off of me right now. 'Literally yesterday, I was massaging my cheeks; I've never [before] been in pain from smiling so much.' As for Chris, he has repeatedly played coy when quizzed on his blossoming romance with JoJo, but recently declared that his relationship status is 'happy'. He's also getting on with JoJo's parents like a house on fire, as she has shared Chris is 'best friends' with her dad in particular. Asked by fans during a Q&A at a dance class in London earlier this week when the switched flipped from friendship to something more, JoJo admitted that not knowing is one of her 'biggest frustrations' in life right now. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I genuinely don't know, and I've spoken to him about it, I've spoken to my mom about it. I don't know the moment that it [clicks fingers].' More Trending She added: 'It was never like a light switch happened; it was just… You know what I mean? And so I genuinely don't know! It's serendipity!' Regardless, she maintains that she is 'very, very happy where [they] are currently'. 'I mean I literally smile every single second of every single day now.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: What's really going on with JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes after major relationship revelation? MORE: Chris Hughes reveals health scare after finding 'small lump' on his testicles MORE: JoJo Siwa lets slip she 'woke up with Chris Hughes this morning' at second London gig
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Cristiano Ronaldo makes 'very difficult' Lionel Messi claim with time almost up
Cristiano Ronaldo's deal with Al Nassr and the Portugal legend has been asked about the prospect of playing against Inter Miami star Lionel Messi before the end of his career Cristiano Ronaldo has not ruled out playing alongside long-time rival Lionel Messi before the end of his career, but has admitted it would be very difficult to do so, with time running out. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar is set to see his contract with Al Nassr expire at the end of the month. Both Ronaldo, 40, and Messi, 37, are likely in the twilight years of their careers with the former playing in the Saudi Pro League and the latter in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Nevertheless Ronaldo finished as top goalscorer in his division, while Messi has 10 goals in his 12 starts this season. Seeing the GOAT contenders playing in the same colours appears unlikely even with Ronaldo possibly eyeing a fresh move however. Although, the ex-Juventus sharpshooter did find some interest from Argentina ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States. It is clear Ronaldo has respect for the nation and his adversary however. Asked about the prospect, Ronaldo provided a thoughtful answer. "You know I have a lot of affection for Argentina, my wife is from there," Ronaldo replied. "I have already been invited to play in the Club World Cup for an Argentine club. "You never know… the time is there. I am already 40 years old, but you never know. But I think it is very difficult. I have never been to Argentina, I want to go, I have a lot of affection for the Argentines. "And I have affection for Messi, we were rivals for many years, but I have already said that we were in that scenario for 15 years and I remember that before he didn't speak any English, I don't know if he does now. And I translated for him when they explained to us what we had to do at a gala. "I have affection for him, he has always treated me well and respected me as I respect him. I find it very difficult, but you never know." With less than a month remaining on Ronaldo's deal, there has been no shortage of speculation over his next step. To some degree, there was an expectation a deal would be set up to see him play in the Club World Cup, but Ronaldo has now suggested the possibility of that is noow over. "It's irrelevant, at this moment it doesn't make sense to talk about other things other than the national team," he said. "There have been a lot of contacts, I see things that make sense, others that don't, as the other guy says, you can't go to everything, you have to think short, medium and long term. "It's a decision that has practically been made on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had a lot of invitations." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
