Break out the bunting for VE Day celebrations across the Borough!

Communities will come together across Stockton-on-Tees to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) on Thursday 8 May.

VE Day commemorates the surrender of German forces to the Allied powers at the end of the Second World War, and to mark this important anniversary Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is delivering and supporting a programme of events and activities across the Borough, including:

Beacons events

As part of the national VE Day celebrations a series of beacons will be lit across the UK on Thursday 8 May. The Council is supporting this initiative and there are currently five beacon events planned, including a Civic beacon lighting ceremony in Stockton's Parish Garden as well as beacon events at Long Newton, Grindon & Thorpe Thewles, Billingham and Thornaby.

Street Parties

There's still time to organise a street party for VE Day if you haven't already!

The Council will provide the relevant infrastructure and guidance to support street parties - visit our website for more information and practical advice. The closing date for VE Day street party applications is 25 April and applications can be submitted on the plan a street party webpage. 

Preston Park Museum

Preston Park Museum is hosting a VE Day street party in the Victorian Street on Monday 5 May. Tables will line the cobbled street, wartime music will fill the air, and visitors are invited to bring their own picnics and celebrate with us.

In addition, a wonderful Union Jack proggy mat created by the Preston Park volunteers will be displayed alongside a Book of Reflection where visitors can share their thoughts and memories on what VE Day means to them.

Libraries and Information Services

The Library Service will be hosting a series of open sessions to gather VE Day images for a public archive project. Residents and visitors can bring their VE Day photographs to have them scanned, helping to create a public archive for future generations.

Sessions will be held at Stockton Central Library, Thornaby Central Library and Billingham Library during April and May. Images will be shared on library social media pages on VE Day, including some already captured on the Picture Stockton Archive website.

The Mobile Library staff will also be delivering reminiscence sessions in care homes and settings across the Borough, including the Livewell Hub (1 May), Stockton Lodge Care Home (2 May), Wellbeing Hub in Wellington Square (2 May), Halcyon Centre (7 May), and Wellburn House Care Home (8 May). Participants will be able to look at old photographs and items from the library's Reminiscence Collection as well as participating in a VE Day Quiz. 

Also joining in with a VE Day themed session will be the Local History Group, for older people and people living with dementia, on 7 May at Stockton Central Library.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: "The Nation owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women of our Armed Forces who fought so bravely to help bring an end to the fighting in Europe in May 1945, and hasten the end of the Second World War.

"We are honoured to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and we would encourage the local community to come together to share this significant moment of remembrance and celebration.

"We look forward to residents of all ages joining in and enjoying the occasion with loved ones, family and friends on this significant date in our history.

"As well as an exciting programme of events there will also be online blogs and social media posts, celebrating local stories and the legacy of VE Day for our community."

For more information on VE Day Anniversary events in the Borough visit visit the Tees Valley What's On webpage and follow the Council's social media channels.