Background
Victory in Europe Day marks the date where the Allies accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender following the horrors and fighting of World War Two. Tuesday 8th May 1945 was a day of celebration throughout Europe with thousands taking to the streets to rejoice at the end of the war. Though fighting continued in Japan until August, the threat on European soil had ended and after six years of fear the people of the UK were ecstatic.
Somerset was no exception, with the people of our county adorning their streets with red, white, and blue bunting. Celebrations began in the morning, with bells in Wiveliscombe ringing out from 8am, and continued well into the night. At 3pm parties fell silent as people gathered around their radios to hear Churchill speak. His official message was relayed across Castle Green in Taunton, accompanied by the sound of whistles from nearby GWR trains.
Our Event
In 2025 we celebrate the 80th anniversary of this momentous day and will be commemorating the occasion in several ways throughout the day.
Proclamation – Wellington Monument – 9am
The day begins bright and early with our Town Crier venturing up to Wellington Monument at 9am to read the Proclamation in time with the official guidance.
We have chosen this location to participate in a small competition run by the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, challenging criers to perform the proclamation in unique locations. We thought that the world’s tallest 3-sided obelisk is a pretty unique location!
This cry will be filmed and photographed by us so don’t worry if you can’t make it up there to witness it in person. He will also be performing the Proclamation later in the day in the town centre.
Two Minute Silence – Town Centre – 12pm
On 1st May King Charles III announced that UK Government buildings are to observe a two minute national silence at 12pm on Thursday 8th May to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
Wellington Town Council would like to invite the community to join us at the corner of Fore Street and South Street to mark the silence with us as we remember and thank those who fought for our freedom. Our Town Crier will ring his bell to signal the start of the silence and will finish the silence with the reading of the official VE Day Proclamation.
There will be no parade or road closure for this event so if you are joining us please be mindful of this and stay on the pavement.
Our offices will be closed from 11:55 to 12:05 while our staff participate.
Music in the Park and Beacon Lighting – Wellington Park – 7pm to 10pm
Join us for a beacon lighting and 1940’s music in the award-winning Wellington Park. The ever-wonderful Wellington Silver Band will be joining us from 7:15 for a set of wartime music on the bandstand and will be followed by the retro renderings of Liz-EE at 8:15pm. The gas beacon will be lit at 9:30pm in line with national guidance. At this time our Town Crier will read out the official Tribute that pays respects to those who served throughout World War II both at home and abroad.
Refreshments will be available from food stalls.
