VE Day events taking place across Lincolnshire and Rutland
Communities will come together next week to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the end of the Second World War.
Beacon lightings will form a key part of the commemorations across the UK with ceremonies scheduled for 9.30pm on Thursday, May 8.
Many towns and villages are also hosting weekend events with live music, historical exhibitions and family entertainment.
Among the events taking place in the area is a celebration at Stamford Recreation Ground on Saturday, May 10 from 3pm until 9.30pm. It will include live music from the Vintage Singers and Rutland Big Band plus a fairground, face painting and historical exhibitions. People are encouraged to wear 1940s dress.
In Grantham there will be a flag raising service on St Peter’s Green at 9am on Thursday, May 8 followed by an afternoon tea dance at the Guildhall ballroom from 2.30pm. Tickets are available from www.guildhallartscentre.co.uk
Oakham Town Council will host a celebration of Armed Forces Day and VE Day on Sunday, June 29 from midday until 5pm at Cutts Close. It will include music by Alan Jackson from 12-2pm and Rutland Big Band from 3-5pm.
Other commemorative events taking place include:
Wednesday, April 30 - Saturday, May 3
• Dad’s Army and Wartime Revue - 7.30pm, Bourne Corn Exchange each day plus 2.30pm gala performance on Saturday, May 3. Tickets £12 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/skamp or Bourne Bookshop (cash only).
Sunday, May 4
• Soldiers from the Sky project - 10am to 4pm, Grantham House. Event includes memorabilia, military re-enactments and heritage talks. Free entry but tickets for talks are available at www.tickettailor.com/events/southkestevendistrictcouncil2
• Street party - 1pm, The Three Gables, Signal Road, Grantham. Live music, bingo and burger van.
Monday, May 5
• Spring craft fair - 10am-3pm, St Andrew’s Church, Denton near Grantham
•Street party - 12pm, Pinchbeck Community Hub and Library. Music, games and a range of food and drinks. Entry costs £1 for adults – children and over 80s can attend for free.
Thursday, May 8
• Flag raising - 9am, St Peter’s Green, Grantham
• Flag raising - 9.50am, Oakham Castle.
• VE Day 80 National Proclamation - 9am, Market Place, Uppingham
• VE Day tea dance - 2.30pm, Guildhall Arts Centre ballroom, Grantham. Tickets £10 from www.guildhallartscentre.com
• Memorial service - 2pm, Holbeach war memorial
•VE-Day service - 11am, St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Spalding. It will be led by Canon Darren McFarland from Lincoln Cathedral.
• Drumhead service and beacon lighting - 8pm to 9.45pm, Stamford Recreation Ground
• Entertainment and activities - 5pm to 8pm, Carter’s Park, Holbeach, followed by the lighting of peace lanterns at 8.30pm
• The Haven VE Day Celebrations - 10.30am to 6pm, White House Lane, Boston, PE21 0BE
• War-themed Sip and Paint - 7.30pm, The Cross Keys, King’s Cliffe. £20 with tuition, canvas and paints provided. Booking essential with Maryanne on 07788 205590.
• Beacon lighting - 9.30pm, Cutts Close, Oakham
• Live music and beacon lighting - 8.45pm, Tod’s Piece, Uppingham
Friday, May 9
• Royal British Legion 80th anniversary of VE Day party night - 7.30pm, Bourne Corn Exchange. Tickets £15 from www.bournecornexchange.com and Harrison and Dunn.
• Standing with Giants - 5pm, Village Green, Park Street, King’s Cliffe. Unveiling of two sculptures to honour those who serve their country.
• Deeping Heritage talk - 7.30pm, Deeping Community Centre, Douglas Road, Market Deeping. Liz Parkinson gives a talk on The Deepings at home and abroad in the Second World War. Admission £3.
Saturday, May 10
• VE day celebration - 3pm to 9.30pm, Stamford Recreation Ground. Live music from the Vintage Singers and Rutland Big Band, historical exhibitions, fairground and refreshments. 1940s costumes are encouraged.
• Street party - 12pm to 4pm, West Street, King’s Cliffe. Open to all.
• Music and dancing from the Second World War era - 5pm, The Cross Keys, King’s Cliffe.
Sunday, May 11
• King’s Cliffe Airfield Museum open day - 11am to 4pm
• The Deepings Wartime Generation exhibition - 11am to 4pm, Deepings Community Centre, Market Deeping. Free entry.
Saturday, May 17
• VE80 concert - 7.30pm, Lincoln Cathedral. Music from the Band of the Royal Air Force College and Cathedral Choir. Tickets start at £17 from www.lincolncathedral.com
Sunday, June 29
• Armed Forces Day and VE Day celebrations - 12pm to 5pm, Cutts Close, Oakham. Music by Alan Jackson from 12pm to 2pm and Rutland Big Band from 3pm to 5pm.
Are you planning an event for VE Day? Send the details to news@lincsonline.co.uk
