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Wales marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

BBC Red poppies from a five metre long cross that stretches up the window of a building. Beside the window, on the grey brick wall is a black wire outline of a soldier. BBC
A poppy cascade has been set up outside a veterans hub in Connah's Quay

Street parties to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe have been taking place across Wales.

VE Day events recall the huge crowds of people who took to the streets on 8 May 1945 to sing, dance and rejoice after nearly six years of war.

More than 15,000 Welsh soldiers died during World War Two and among the events to mark the day was in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, where Reg Lloyd, 95, from Hawarden was among those in attendance.

He was 14 when the war ended and remembered a "big party" at the Albert Hall in Buckley and people dancing the Spanish waltz with the lights on in the evening for the first time since the blackout.

"I think it's more important than ever, at the moment [to mark VE Day]," said hub director Naomi Horlock.

"To think about modern day conflicts and why it's so important to be kind to each other.

Naomi Horlock is standing in from of the veterans hub, which is draped in union jack bunting. She is wearing 1940 style clothing, with a black and white polka dot bonnet, a green apron and a navy shirt with buttons on the sleeves.
Organiser Naomi Horlock was one of those at an event in Connah's Quay

"That's what this is all about. It's about having some fun and remembering."

A poppy cascade made from 1,000 individual flowers knitted by the Steel Magnolias Women's Institute is also on display.

Audrey Anthony from the group said the finished result was "absolutely fantastic".

Reg is smiling for the camera. he is wearing a blue fleece top and scarf and has horn rimmed glasses.
Reg Lloyd remembers VE Day in part because the lights were on in the evening for the first time since the blackout

Among the VE Day parties taking place up and down the UK, the Blaenavon Workmen's Hall in Pontypool, Torfaen, is hosting a Great Victory Bake off, a Knit for Victory event and a costume competition.

Hundreds of people gathered at Cardiff Castle for a day long celebration of VE Day, with live music, street performances and face painting.

A group of people wearing union jack hats sitting in a field in Cardiff Castle
Sharon Harvey (centre) was part of the event held at Cardiff Castle

"We want to remember the people who made the sacrifice," said Sharon Harvey from Cardiff.

"We've all got family members who remember what happened, and who went and fought. We need to make sure they aren't forgotten."

Councils are hosting events and some have waived their usual road closure fee, while pubs in Wales and England will stay open late on Thursday to allow customers to raise a glass in their local until 01:00 BST.

What is planned on the Bank Holiday?

  • 11:00-17:00 picnic in Cardiff Castle with music, walkabout entertainers, circus and puppet shows and children's crafts
  • 12:00-15:00 street party in Powys in Llanfyllin town square with 1940s fancy dress and a singalong
  • 12:00-1500 street party at Pill Millennium Community Centre in Newport
  • 10:30-16:30 Connah's Quay veterans and community hub will host music, and vintage military vehicles
  • 14:00 Amroth Parish Hall in Pembrokeshire will have wartime memorabilia

What is VE Day?

Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender.

At 15:00, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before, sparking spontaneous celebrations across the country.

To read about what's happening across the BBC to mark VE Day, click here.

A post box in Criccieth at Y Neuadd Coffa with a basket on the top filled with red flowers and the bust of a soldier in a helmet in grey.
A post box in Criccieth, Gwynedd, is all dressed up for VE Day celebrations