To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and Stratford Town Trust are joining together to host a special event to commemorate this historic occasion.
2025 is also the thirty-year anniversary of the Peace Memorial Bandstand, constructed and installed by the Royal Engineers and opened in 1995 to mark 50 years of Victory in Europe Day. In honour of this special anniversary, Stratford Town Trust have carried out a complete refurbishment of the Bandstand, restoring it to its former glory.
The evening will begin with bells at Holy Trinity Church ringing at 6.30pm as part of a national Ring Out in Celebration, echoing the bells that rang out across Britain as the nation took to the streets in celebration of Victory in Europe Day 80 years ago.
Following this, an event will be held on the Bandstand, beginning at 7.20pm with a ribbon cutting and speeches from Stratford Town Trust Chair, Tim Bailey and Mayor Jason Fojtik. Afterwards, there will be a performance by City of Coventry Brass, culminating in a procession to the Garden of Remembrance for a short service of commemoration and the lighting of the beacon, one of thousands up and down the country lit to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945.
The short service of commemoration and lighting of the beacon by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, will commence at the Garden of Remembrance at 9pm, with the lighting of the beacon at approximately 9:30pm.
Sara Aspley, Chief Executive of Stratford Town Trust said: “This promises to be a beautiful evening of remembrance and celebration. We’re so pleased we can bring the community together to hear a rousing performance by Coventry City Brass on the Bandstand as a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. We hope as many people as possible will join us.’
Mayor, Councillor Jason Fojtik of Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council said: “I am honoured to be involved in this significant anniversary, recognising the sacrifice of those who served in the Armed Forces, 80 years ago and who were present on VE Day. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten. Please do join us to mark this poignant commemoration.”