VE Day or ‘Victory in Europe Day’ took place on Tuesday 8th May 1945 and marked the official end of World War II with Germany formally surrendering. On that day millions of people celebrated the Allied victory in Europe, with street parties, singing and dancing. At 3pm on that day, Winston Churchill made a national radio broadcast announcing that war had ended in Europe.  The Royal Family led by King George VI appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to wave at the crowd below. The King also gave a radio address paying tribute to those who lost their lives and calling for lasting peace.

 

8th May marks 80 years since this momentous day and we will be celebrating this in the village of Holmes Chapel. Keep an eye on this page for various activities taking place around the village on and leading up to the 8th May.  

 

A village centre event will take place which you are warmly invited to;

6.30pm Church Bells ring out in celebration

8.30pm with a Churches Together Service at St Luke’s Church

9.30pm reading of the National Tribute and lighting of the beacon

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Other events happening in and around the village (this will be regularly updated):

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Monday 5th May VE Day at Byley Village Hall 11-5pm - children's activities, exhibition, film show & illustrative talk (2.30pm). For more information please click on the following link:

VE 80 at Byley: RAF Cranage

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Thursday 8th May Village Events:

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Walk to School Event - come dressed in red, white and blue for VE Day. More information below and also on the Holmes Chapel Partnership website: Community Organisation | Holmes Chapel Partnership | Holmes Chapel

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U3A Talk 10am Holmes Chapel Methodist Church - John Wallace will be giving a talk at the u3a Monthly Meeting entitled: OVERPAID…AND OVER HERE (including music) A history of American GIs in the North West during World War 2, plus the music and culture they brought with them. All are welcome whether or not a member of the U3A!

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11am Ceremony at the War Memorial organised by the Royal British Legion.

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St Luke's Coffee Morning 10.15am - 12.15pm at St Luke's Church Hall - live music

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Holmes Chapel Methodist Church 3pm - Mel Baines will be singing war songs followed by tea and celebration cake! 

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Holmes Chapel Community Centre VE Day Disco 3.30-6pm - £4 per child with a bouncy castle and disco!

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Grateful thanks to Sam Dale's and Morreys for generously donating the gas for the beacon and to our local fire officers for supporting the lighting of the beacon. 

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