Parades and parties mark VE Day in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
The sound of live music and fairs will be filling the air across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to mark 80 years since VE Day.A military vehicle convoy and special ceremonies will also take place throughout the week to commemorate the end of World War Two in Europe.Events are being held in Aldershot, the home of the British Army, and near Portsmouth naval base.Beacons will also be lit and church bells rung across the region on Thursday evening.
On Sunday 4 May, Southampton hosts a Royal British Legion VE Day 80 concert at the O2 Guildhall.Themed fetes and organised picnics will be held across the region on that day, including at Romsey's War Memorial Park and New Milton Recreation Ground.Aldershot has a commemorative service at the Royal Garrison Church on Monday 5 May, followed by a street party where people are invited to bring a picnic.The Bank Holiday also sees a fair with music and stalls at Wickham recreation ground.Another event at Eastoke seafront, Hayling Island, on Monday aims to attract thousands of people with military vehicles and other attractions.
A host of events are planned for VE Day itself, 8 May.Eastleigh's Leigh Road recreation ground is the venue for a free fair from 11:00 - 18:00 BST, including music and dancing.Gurkha Square in Fleet has a day of events, including an air cadet drill display and evening partying.Festivities at Sunnybank House Care Home in Fair Oak will culminate in an evening ceremony with a bugler and the lighting of candles.People are invited to bring a picnic to the ruins of Bishop's Waltham Palace for an evening of celebrations with a military band.On the Isle of Wight, a drum corps will parade through Cowes at 19:00. Another parade has been organised by the Royal British Legion from Sandown to Shanklin.Manor Park in Aldershot is the venue for a community event from 20:45, with music and readings leading to the beacon lighting, which also takes place across the UK at 21:30.
On the morning of Saturday 10 May, a convoy of classic military and other vehicles will drive from Southwick, near Fareham, to Basingstoke, on a route including the A32 and A339.The event, held annually, supports the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal but this is the last time it will be put on by the current organisers.The Red Lion pub in Overton will celebrate on Saturday with an eclectic mix of ration books for beer, classic cars and a Pearly Queen.Portsmouth has wartime songs and 1940s dance classes at the Historic Dockyard on 10 May, as well as at the D-Day Story Museum the following day.Sunday 11 May is the date for one of the region's biggest street parties.A full-size Spitfire, military vehicles and music are among the attractions in Carlton Place, Southampton, from 12:00 to 17:00.
You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight 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
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Sam Thompson's bombshell as he finds out 'posh' background is totally fake
In the final episode of ITV's DNA Journey, best friends Marvin Humes and Sam Thompson make some revealing discoveries... Marvin Humes discovers his ancestor had a secret second family while his best mate Sam Thompson finds out that his 'posh' background is completely fake, in a revelatory episode of DNA Journey. Close friends since meeting in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! two years ago, the loveable pair of presenters are shocked by the discoveries on the ITV hit ancestry show, airing on Thursday. They begin in Jamaica, where Marvin also finds out that he owes his life to a strong woman who made a massive sacrifice. Marvin says: 'I've got a rich heritage of culture from Jamaica in my family. My grandparents were both born here. My Grandma Ruby and Grandpa Randall moved to the UK when they had just got married. We would eat fish and dumplings and Saturday soup.' In Jamaica, Marvin finds out that his Great Grandma Blanche was not actually married to his Great Grandfather David James. They had four children, but immediately after the fourth, Marvin's Grandma Ruby, was born in 1930, David James left. Historian Diane tells Marvin: 'A soon as Ruby was born, David James left for a family he had concurrently along with Blanche.' Marvin says: 'I know that on my Grandfather Randall's side, his father did the same thing. His mum ended up in a mental hospital in Jamaica, called Bellevue, where she died.' Blanche, however, was not broken. She went into domestic service and worked hard, then stood at the pier at Kingston Harbour in 1958 and waved off Ruby and her husband Randall so they could find a new life in the UK as part of the Windrush generation. Ruby and Randall couldn't afford the fare for their three children, so Blanche stepped up to care for them, and went back to work to save up the money to send them to Britain. She knew when she waved goodbye to her daughter in 1958, as she set sail to join Randall who left first, that she'd never see her again. Overwhelmed with emotion, Marvin says: 'I can only think of myself as a parent, it's heartbreaking to think she'd never see her again. Without this happening in 1958, I wouldn't be standing here today. She's the reason. All my family back home in England, we all owe everything to her, for that sacrifice she made on this pier.' Meanwhile, Sam flies into a panic when he is told he has an ancestor who spent time in Jamaica. 'It doesn't sounds good, don't say it..' he says. However, he is relieved to learn there is no slavery connection. Charles Thompson, his four times Great Grandfather, a Lieutenant Colonel, was posted in Jamaica before being called to Europe where he played a vital role in the downfall of Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. 'Oh my God, I'm so happy, you really scared me, we were all thinking it,' says Sam. Sam is told that Charles, who was in the 27th (Inniskilling) Foot Regiment, an Irish regiment in the British Army, also took a collection from his regiment of soldiers, donating the equivalent of £5,000 to help starving people. 'He was a philanthropist, I'm so proud,' says Sam. 'He was a total hero.' Sam also discovers a cousin match in Limavady, Northern Ireland, who happens to live in a massive stately home. 'This is mental,' says Marvin. 'I feel like we've turned up at Buckingham Palace, the Irish version.' Sam's long lost cousin, Connolly Patrick McCausland, explains their common ancestor was land agent Robert McCausland, who owned the stately home and also once owned 110 acres of Woolwich, London, where Marvin grew up. 'We're so connected!' says the Made In Chelsea star, adding: 'If I ever get married, I'm getting married here.' Meanwhile, with a castle up the road in Northern Ireland built by a John De Courcy, Sam is wondering if this is also his ancestor - since his surname is actually De Courcy Thompson. Sam explains: 'I dropped 'De Courcy'. One, hard to spell. And two, you sound like a bit of a douche.' But it turns out that Sam is not remotely connected to the famous John De Courcy. Charles's son Lesley made up the name De Courcy, giving it to his third son Sydney to improve their social standing. Sam laughs: 'We faked it and I'm over the moon. I've got a signet ring and it doesn't mean anything. We just gave it to ourselves. It's like those people who buy a knighthood just to call themselves sir or lady. That's us!'
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Rhyl Journal
American great D. Wayne Lukas retires amid health battle
Lukas, 89, has reportedly turned down an aggressive treatment plan having been suffering from an infection and is due to leave hospital and return home to his family. His long-serving assistant, Englishman Sebastian 'Bas' Nicholl will take over the running of his stable. 'Wayne is one of the greatest competitors and most important figures in Thoroughbred racing history,' said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs said on 'He transcended the sport of horse racing and took the industry to new levels. The lasting impact of his character and wisdom – from his acute horsemanship to his unmatched attention to detail – will be truly missed. The enormity of this news is immense, and our prayers are with his family and friends around the world during this difficult time.' Lukas, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, has won the Kentucky Derby four times among his 15 Triple Crown race wins and has 20 victories at the Breeders' Cup, a record matched only by Aidan O'Brien. Lukas trained his last winner on June 12 at Churchill Downs when Tour Player was successful. His first thoroughbred success came in October 1977. Nicholl, a former tank commander in the British Army, said: 'Wayne built a legacy that will never be matched. Every decision I make, every horse I saddle, I'll hear his voice in the back of my mind. This isn't about filling his shoes – no one can – it's about honouring everything that he's built.' Some of Lukas' best horses included Thunder Gulch, owned by Michael Tabor, Winning Colors and Tabasco Cat.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip Alton Towers has launched a new Resort Seasonal Pass, allowing thrill-seekers to enjoy unlimited access to the theme park for a three month period in the summer Alton Towers have some amazing deals on offer ahead of the summer holidays (Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images ) Theme park enthusiasts can anticipate a summer of excitement at a reduced cost with the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. The £59 three-month seasonal pass is a bargain compared to the walk-up price of £68 for a single-day pass, even if you only visit once. The pass offers unlimited access throughout the summer, making it an attractive choice for those planning summer holiday outings. For adrenaline junkies, this could be the opportunity to enjoy rides like the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It's important to note that there are certain dates when the seasonal pass is not valid, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and several dates in October leading up to Halloween. All passes, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass, are unavailable on these dates. One of the most sought-after passes on offer is the Merlin Annual Pass, granting entry to their theme parks, including Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. The basic package costs £99 per year, with more premium packages offering monthly payment plans. For those interested in a single theme park break, Wowcher's Attraction Breaks might be a better option. They offer a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with availability during school holidays for families of four seeking a fun escape, reports the Mirror. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Reviews on Trustpilot are showering praises on Alton Towers, with one guest describing it as 'magical', expressing: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." One visitor was particularly thrilled about the minimal wait times for attractions, noting: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. Went as a group of 5 and we completed smiler and oblivion in the first 20 minutes." They continued to share their experience: "We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes." There were also some tips for future visitors: "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." However, not all feedback was glowing; one felt changes could improve the experience, pointing out: "As expected, when you go to a theme park there are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two-hour queue." The critique continued: "Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". When it comes to catering for different age groups, many parents have applauded the park: "Amazing couple of days with my family. So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides." Article continues below For those looking to make frequent visits, the Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass can be snapped up for £59 right now.
