On Thursday 8 May 2025, communities across the country will come together to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Here’s a round up of events taking place across Northamptonshire:

Brackley

Beacon lighting in Brackley Town Park at 9:15pm on Thursday 8 May

Corby

Beacon Lighting event in Coronation Park, starting from 8:30pm on Thursday 8 May. The beacon lighting will be followed by a parade and formation display by the Air Cadets.

Earls Barton

Beacon lighting on the Market Square at 9:30pm on Thursday 8 May.

Irthlingborough

Morning event on Thursday 8 May starting at 7:45am with bagpipe performance, followed by VE Day 80 Proclamation from the Town Crier and raising of VE Day 80 flag.

Evening event later in the day at 7:30pm featuring musical performances, beacon lighting and the Last Post.

Kettering

On Sunday 8 June at 12pm there will be a large-scale Armed Forces Parade through the town.

Kings Cliffe

A VE and VJ Day street party will take place on Saturday 10 May.

Northampton

Commemorative VE Day flag raising to take place at 9am on Thursday 8 May outside the Guildhall. This will be followed by a short service in the memorial garden at All Saints Church.

Oundle

On Thursday 8 May the town will host a commemorative event at 2:45pm, followed by a tea party for those who remember VE Day 1945.

Raunds

From 7pm on Thursday 8 May there will be a number of street party events featuring musical performances and a beacon lighting.

Rothwell

The town is hosting a VE Day themed picnic in the park on Saturday 17 May from 2pm.

Thrapston

At 9:45pm on Thursday 8 May there will be a beacon lighting and performance by Thrapston Town Band.

Titchmarsh

Beacon lighting to take place at 9:30pm on Thursday 8 May.

Further details about upcoming events can be found on the following websites:

West Northants Council VE Day 80 webpage
North Northants Council VE Day 80 webpage

There are also a number of events taking place within local libraries – find out more on the Northamptonshire Libraries website.

See a full list of events on the official VE/VJ Day Website.