Residents are invited to join in with local celebrations and festivities, including picnics and street parties, as Knowsley commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the May Bank Holiday.
Local communities can join the nationwide Great British Food Festival on Monday 5 May by holding street parties, cooking up a BBQ or fry up with neighbours, hosting a curry night at home, or by organising a Big Lunch extravaganza.
Residents can also celebrate the festival by organising a picnic in the park on Bank Holiday Monday. Find your nearest park.
The Great British Food Festival will bring together residents, our armed forces, veterans, and visitors to celebrate our rich culinary and cultural history, whilst also honouring the sacrifices and triumphs of the nation’s veterans during the Second World War.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “Whether it’s a street or garden party, or a picnic in the local park, we’re inviting everyone to come together in Knowsley for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today.
“VE Day is a significant occasion for our nation and the 80th anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to bring all of our residents together to reflect on, and to celebrate our shared history.”
Find out more about how to organise a local celebration – and access free resources including bunting, party and poster templates to add to your celebrations: VE Day community celebrations – The Together Coalition
What’s happening in Knowsley
VE Day is a day of remembrance that commemorates Germany’s surrender to the Allies, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
To mark the occasion, Knowsley landmarks including the Greystone Road Bridge on the M62 and Archway Road railway bridge will be illuminated red, white and blue between 5 and 8 May.
Just as Britain came together in 1945 you can get involved with local events including:
- Saturday, 3 May: Towerhill Community Day, Towerhill Park and Community Centre, Ebony Way
- Monday, 5 May: Community Picnic Day, Borough-wide
- Thursday, 8 May, 11am: St Marys Church Bell Ringing, St Marys Church, Prescot
- Wednesday, 28 May 1pm-3pm, Court Hey Family Celebration Day, Court Hey Park
For the latest updates, follow @KnowsleyCouncil on Facebook and Instagram and join the conversation using #VE80.
Liverpool City Region events
Sunday, 4 May: Beating Retreat on Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
A full 50-piece band comprising the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums accompanied by The Scot Guards Association Pipes & Drums, the Wirral Pipe Band and the 103 Artillery Pipes and Drums will perform a selection of tunes, and the Liverpool Town Hall balcony will be dressed with red, white, and blue banners.
Thursday, 8 May: Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud at 6:30pm
The bells at Liverpool’s two Cathedrals and Liverpool Parish Church will lead churches across the city in ringing out as part of the nation’s “Together We Chime” VE80 initiative.
Beacon Lighting on Exchange Flags, Liverpool: 9:15pm to 9.30pm:
In a moment of national unity, four beacons behind Liverpool Town Hall will be lit as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance accompanied by civic dignitary speeches and a lone piper. The four beacons will be positioned in locations that mirror the four bunker walls that still sit under the site today.
Thursday, 8 May – Sunday 11 May: Western Approaches Museum from 10am – 6pm
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day there will be celebrations, talks, singing and games at the former headquarters for the Battle of the Atlantic – entry for children is only £1.