VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations in West Yorkshire
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, on 8 May marks the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945.Events across West Yorkshire are being held to mark and celebrate VE Day, including choirs, live music and food. Some events recommend wearing 1940s dress, and others allow the opportunity to bring a picnic. Here is a selection of the events planned:
Leeds
There will be a service at Leeds Minster on 10 May at 19:30 BST. The event, hosted by Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, will include orchestral, choir - including Leeds Philharmonic Chorus - and bagpipe performances. There will also be personal stories of Leeds people who contributed in World War Two, including from the Women's Land Army, firefighters and the home front in Leeds. Tickets will be £5.The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire will also attend a short service at the War Memorial in Victoria Gardens at 11:00 BST on 8 May, to lay wreaths and remember those who served in WW2.
Halifax
On 2 May, Halifax Rugby Union Club is hosting afternoon tea and live 1940s-inspired entertainment at Ovenden Park. Calderdale Council will fly the VE Day flag at Halifax Town Hall, and is lighting up the Wainhouse Tower in red, white and blue on 8 May.The Piece Hall in Halifax town centre will be hosting celebrations from 3 to 5 May. There will be live music, dancing, period dress, military memorabilia and themed food and drink. There will also be a living history display, including the Soviet Affairs Living History Group, known nationally for their portrayals of those who served on the Eastern Front.On 8 May, there will be a buffet lunch followed by an organ recital with Halifax Minster's resident organist, starting at 12:15 BST. The event, at the Minster, will cost £7 per person.
Bradford
Keighley Town Council will be hosting celebrations at the Town Hall Square on 8 May. There will be face painting, a street picnic, live 1940s-inspired music and beacon lighting. In Bingley, the Bingley Remembrance Group is hosting an event on 10 May in the Market Square. There will be classic Army vehicles, food, war-time music, modern buskers, drills from the cadets and a marching band.
Wakefield
There will be a service of remembrance and wreath laying which will take place on May 8 at Wakefield War Memorial at 10:50 BST.The Wren Cafe on Wrenthorpe Lane will have 1940s-themed food and live entertainment from 10:00 BST on 8 May - with a raffle and a name the pigeon competition. There will also be a short act of remembrance in the neighbouring Memorial Garden. People are encouraged to attend in 1940s dress.
Kirklees
A flag will be raised at 09:00 BST at all four Kirklees town halls. And Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield town halls will be lit up, as well as Victoria Tower on Castle Hill in red, white and blue , at 21:30 BST.On 10 May at 15:00 BST, Thornhill Parish Church in Dewsbury will be hosting afternoon tea with poems and music to sing along to.
Do you have memories of VE Day? Share your stories, email jess.lord@bbc.co.uk
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