Residents and armed forces veterans from across the borough are being invited to join the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Dan Putty at a special ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The public ceremony, which will take place at the Civic Offices on Thursday 8 May from 10am, will include a short service, a minute’s silence and a commemorative flag raising, followed by light refreshments for veterans and residents that remember the celebrations.

The Mayor is keen to hear from any veterans, residents or their family members who celebrated VE Day in May 1945, however all veterans and their families are welcome to attend.

VE Day marked the end of World War II in Europe after Germany's unconditional surrender. The day was marked with widespread celebrations across the country and brought a sense of relief to everyone that had endured the hardships of war.

Cllr Putty said: “It is a privilege for me to lead the borough's VE Day 80 service, as communities across the nation unite to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

"VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for our freedom but is also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that has defined our country ever since.

“Everybody is welcome to attend the short ceremony outside the Civic Offices. Afterwards, veterans, residents that remember the VE Day celebrations, and their families are invited to join me in the parlour for light refreshments. I would love to hear their memories of that special day 80 years ago.”

Armed forces veterans or and residents who remember the VE Day celebrations should contact mayoralcoordinator@basingstoke.gov.uk by Friday 2 May 2025 to arrange to attend the event.