Rutland Celebrates VE Day 80th Anniversary

A Shared Moment of Celebration

Key messages

• 2025 marks the 80^th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day. Both days will be marked separately; the VE anniversary on 8^th May and the VJ anniversary on 15^th August.
• The main celebration of these important anniversaries will be a set of joint activities over the weekend of 28^th and 29^th June, ‘Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration for VE & VJ Day’ with the main event being The Party in the Park on Sunday 29^th June
• VE Day on 8^th May will be marked with events in Oakham and Uppingham supported by Oakham Town Council, Uppingham Town Council, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and Rutland County Council

Rutland to Honour the Legacy of VE Day with Celebrations

Rutland remains distinguished as a ‘military county’, with a significant proportion of its residents closely affiliated with the Armed Forces. It is estimated that approximately 20% of Rutland’s population are either currently serving, reservists, veterans, MOD civilian workers, or family members of these groups.

Renowned for its rich history and tight-knit community, Rutland proudly announces its plans for the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This significant event will take place on May 8th, 2025, marking eight decades since the end of World War II in Europe. Events are supported by Oakham Town Council, Uppingham Town Council, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and Rutland County Council.

A Day of Reflection and Celebration

In Oakham, the day will commence with a Flag Raising ceremony at Oakham Castle at 10.00am (arrive by 9.50am), where local dignitaries, veterans, and residents will gather to pay homage to the brave souls who served and sacrificed during the war.  The event will feature a National Proclamation delivered by the Mayor of Oakham, a speech by Dr. Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, prayers and the raising of a special VE Day 80 flag.

A Beacon Lighting ceremony is scheduled for 9.30pm in Cutts Close Park, sequenced with Beacons being lit in hundreds of locations across the country. Arrive early to see the Morris Dancers and other entertainment. Fish and chips will be available.

In Uppingham, at 9am, the VE Day 80 National Proclamation will be heard in the Market Place. Evening events include gathering at 8.45pm on Tod’s Piece followed by live music from 9.00pm and a Beacon Lighting at 9.30pm.

Dr. Sarh Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland warmly invites residents and visitors alike to join in Rutland’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations. She said, ‘As a military county celebrating our freedom, the end of WW2 hostilities means a great deal here, and I want us all to celebrate this 80th anniversary.  I hope that everyone across Rutland can join together to mark this anniversary, which may be our last chance to include some of the wartime generation.  We have a series of events planned to do so.  Let us honour those who served and remember the sacrifices made for our freedom, won at great cost.’ This occasion is a moment to be shared and promises to be a day of reflection, joy, and unity, honouring the past while looking forward to a peaceful future.

A Date for Your Diary

2025 marks the 80^th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day. Both days will be marked separately; the VE anniversary on 8^th May and the VJ anniversary on 15^th August. The main celebration of these important anniversaries will be a set of joint activities over the weekend of 28^th and 29^th June, ‘Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration for VE & VJ Day’ with the main event being The Party in the Park on Sunday 29^th June offering live period music, dancers, food, beer tent, a range of stalls, children’s fun fair and an RAF Flypast. Further details to come.

Please email Sandra McCune, the Lord-Lieutenant’s press team, at  drsandramccune@gmail.com or telephone 07554-740370(m) if you would like to schedule an interview with a war veteran and/or the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, or have any questions. Thank you.