Street parties are being planned across Oxfordshire as part of a national programme of events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8th May.
Celebrating 80 years of peace, Oxford City Council have encouraged residents to host street parties by waiving the road closure charge typically in place for hosting such small community events. Various historical displays and tributes have been planned, including a nationwide ‘Great British Food Festival’ on Bank Holiday Monday (5th May).
On VE Day itself, the Council have announced that the Union flag will be flown over both the Town Hall and Carfax Tower. At the latter, a bell-ringing ceremony will take place at 6.30pm, with a beacon being lit at Blenheim Palace later that evening.
Elsewhere in the city centre, on Saturday 10th May there will be a performance from the Bicester Military Wives Choir at lunchtime, on St Michael’s Street and at the Covered Market.
At the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, in Woodstock, an exhibition dedicated to telling the story of the final stages of the Second World War has opened, on display until November. It particularly focuses on the experiences of soldiers local to the area, such as women working for MI5 at Blenheim Palace, who recount their memories of “people dancing in line from St Giles to Carfax”.
Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley said the anniversary was an “important opportunity” to remember the sacrifices of those involved in the war effort, and “to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation”.
He continued: “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.
“Gathering with our neighbours and local communities to share food, drink and stories will always be a very special thing to do. By waiving the road closure charge for small street parties, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part.”
