Celebrating Victory in Europe and Japan

This year marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day on 8 May and 15 August respectively.

It's an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through a series of national and local events and activities.

How you can get involved with the VE Day celebrations

Different types of outdoor events you can organise with your families, communities, neighbours and friends might include:

On your street

• a street party with your neighbours
• a street meet

In your local park or open space 

• a community picnic or lunch
• a community festival 

What is a street party?

Street parties are enjoyable free, community events which allow for neighbours to unite and celebrate a national or regional occasion.

The activities should be suitable for families.

Street parties are held in residential streets and are considered to be open solely to residents, their family and friends.

Street parties are self-organised by residents or a chosen 'neighbourhood committee' or community group.

They need to have an agreed start and reasonable finish time agreed by the residents.

How to apply to hold a street party

While the date to apply for a road closure for VE Day has now passed, we are accepting applications for VJ Day in August. Details of how to apply can be found elsewhere on our website.

You can also consider organising a street meet, which is a street party that doesn’t need the road to be closed, for example a gathering in your front garden or on your driveways.

Certain activities may require a license. The sale of alcohol, the provision of hot food and drink between 11pm to 5am, or the provision of regulated entertainment (for example, the performance of live or the playing of recorded music, a film, play or dance) to the public, may be licensable activity and may require a temporary event notice.

Get more information on applying for a temporary event notice. Applications should be submitted in good time, with a minimum of ten working days before the event (excluding the day that the application is made and the first day of the event).

You should also ensure that any food being served is prepared correctly and safely. Learn more about food safety on our website.

• The government has published more information and guidance for holding street parties
• The Big Lunch has produced street party packs to help communities with accessible resources

Balloons and sky lanterns

Balloons and sky lanterns releases are an impressive sight, although it's sometimes easy to forget the dangers this can have for wildlife and the environment. Once released these quickly become litter. Although biodegradable options are available, such as bamboo framed sky lanterns, these still take months or even years to break down.

Lancaster City Council will not give permission for balloon and sky lantern releases as part of any event application.

Organised events

A number of events will be taking place across the district to celebrate. Those that have been confirmed are below and more will be added as details become available.

They include:

• 5th May: 2pm, VE80 Celebration Afternoon Tea at Slyne-with Hest Memorial Hall
• 8th May: Flag raising ceremony (details to follow) at Lancaster Town Hall
• 8th May: 11am, Flag raising at Morecambe Town Hall
• 8th May: 7pm, free concert by Morecambe Brass Band followed by beacon lighting at 9.30pm on the Stone Jetty
• 8th May: 9am-9.30pm various VE Day events organised by Carnforth Town Council

If you would like your event adding to this webpage please email communications@lancaster.gov.uk.

Community Funding

From April to August, Arts Council England will work with arts organisations across the country using culture to tell the stories of our towns, cities and villages during the Second World War. Funding will also be made available through the National Lottery Community Fund for organisations across England to bid for grants to host community events, activities and exhibitions to help tell the stories of the Second World War at a local level, ensuring the legacy of the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country is not forgotten.

• For more information on how to celebrate VE Day and VJ Day visit https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

Last updated: 09 April 2025