Street parties, activities at historic buildings, a church service and event in an award-winning park are part of the 80th commemorations marking the end of World War 2.

Residents and organisations have taken advantage of fees being waived by Stafford Borough Council to close roads for street parties marking Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan.

A VE Day themed children’s workshop is taking place at the Ancient High House in Stafford town centre - with the venue also holding an exhibition on the lives of local men telling their stories through medals and historical artefacts. Izaak Walton Cottage will be holding a traditional afternoon tea set against the backdrop of wartime music on Sunday (4th) and Stafford Castle will be lit up red, white and blue on the evening of VE Day. More about these events which are run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the Borough Council from www.historicstafford.co.uk/

And Stafford’s award-winning Victoria Park will be the venue for an afternoon of live music, displays and entertainment on Saturday 10 May - with more details from Events | Stafford Borough Council

A service is planned for Saturday 21 June at St Mary’s Church in the centre of the county town to mark VE and VJ Days and pay tribute to those who gave their lives and made sacrifices in World War 2.

The 80th anniversary year commemorations got off to a memorable start in the borough when more than 1500 local people, families and visitors poured into the town’s Market Square to see a light and sound show, highlighting the sacrifices made in the world wars, projected onto the historic grade 2* listed Shire Hall building.

Borough Council Chief Executive, Tim Clegg, said: “We know how much our residents respect and appreciate the sacrifices made, both at home and abroad, to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today.

“It is great to see communities paying their own tributes - and I’m pleased we were able to help remove some of the costs and administration to enable commemorations with family, friends and neighbours to go ahead safely.”

With VE Day falling on Thursday 8 May, the council backed people putting on street parties to mark the occasion by not charging for the administration costs of putting a road closure in place on the Bank Holiday weekend before that date (3 to 5 May) - or on the following weekend (10th and 11th May.) VJ Day is Friday 15 August.

People can also advertise their activities on the council’s events calendar www.staffordbc.gov.uk/submit-event

The government is also promoting advice on organising a street party from their website www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party

Press Release No 6211