VE Day 80th celebrations in Lincolnshire

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Families held street parties in communities around Britain on 8 May 1945
  • Author, Shirley Henry
  • Role, BBC News

Celebrations are to take place across Lincolnshire to mark Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

On 8 May 1945, people around the world celebrated Germany's surrender, which had been agreed the previous day.

Victory in Europe (VE Day) comes ahead of Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August, which commemorates the end of the 1939 - 1945 conflict.

Here is a selection of events being held across the county to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Image source, IBCC

Image caption, The memorial Spire is at the heart of the International Bomber Command Centre

A thanksgiving service will be held at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) , The Spire, Lincoln on 11 May at 10:30 BST.

The IBCC is dedicated to the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving or supporting Bomber Command during World War Two.

Skegness flypast

Events in Skegness include a ukulele band, a standards parade, flags raised and thanksgiving speech from the mayor between 10:00 to 12.30 BST on 8 May.

On 10 May, The Skegness Branch of the Royal British Legion and Skegness Carnival are hosting an event which includes vintage military vehicles, stalls, 1940s music and local choirs from 10:00 to 16:00 BST.

Both events will be held at Tower Gardens in Skegness, include a Battle of Britain Memorial flypast and are free of charge.

Image source, South Kesteven District Council

Image caption, More than 8,000 paratroopers from Lincolnshire landed in Arnhem in September 1944

Boston events

Organised events include The Haven VE Day Celebrations at White House Lane in Boston from 10:30 to 18:00 BST on 8 May.

A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council said: "We're inviting everyone to come together for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today."

Grantham celebrations

On 8 May, military exhibits will be on display at Wyndham Park's visitor centre, alongside music and dance from Grantham School of Dance, followed by a beacon lighting at 21:30 BST.

South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for Armed Forces, Councillor Phil Dilks, said: "It's vital that we never forget the sacrifices of so many who fought for our freedoms."

Beacon lighting

In Burgh le Marsh, celebrations begin with a service at the parish church from 16:30 BST on 8 May, followed by a BBQ, games and a school choir performance at Windmill restaurant. The event will conclude with the lighting of the town's beacon at 21:00.

In Wellingore, there will be a beacon lighting event on 8 May at 21:30 followed by a VE Day anniversary evening at Wellingore Memorial Hall on 10 May, featuring a 16-piece big band.

Waltham picnic

A 1940s themed picnic will be held at Waltham Windmill on the 10 May from 11:00 to 15:00 BST. The free event includes face painting, food stalls, evacuation train rides, a quiz and balloon-modelling. Live music and dancing will top off the event and a prize for the best 1940s outfit.

South Holland events

Veterans will be in attendance when South Holland District Council raises the flag outside its council offices on Priory Road, Spalding, at 11:00 BST on 8 May.

In Carters Park in Holbeach lamps of peace will be lit, food stalls, music and the lighting of the beacon will take place on 8 May from 17:00 to 22:00 BST.

Branston vehicles

Food, music and games will kick off events at Branston and Mere Village Hall from 12:00 to 18:00 BST on 10 May. A range of vehicles from the 1940s and military will also be on display.

Image source, Richard Rogerson / Geograph

Image caption, The Petwood Hotel was the headquarters of the 617 Dambusters RAF squadron

Dambusters hotel event

Blind Veterans UK charity is holding a day-long event at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on 8 May.

The building was the headquarters of the 617 Dambusters RAF squadron in World War Two.

Around 50 blind veterans will attend the event which features a parade of military vehicles, readings from local schoolchildren, food and music.

The Battle of Britain memorial flight fly over the hotel with Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Events start at 11:00 BST with the military convoy and the flypast is scheduled at 16:00.

Are you planning a VE Day event? Let us know. Email looknorthemail@bbc.co.uk

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