23 Apr Torbay to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

On Thursday 8^th May, many around the world will be marking the eightieth anniversary of VE Day, eighty years to the day on which the Allied forces accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany. Around Torbay, a series of events have been planned to celebrate and remember such an important point in recent history; to remember the many lives impacted by World War II, including those who gave everything to protect their loved ones and their homes.

Brixham will be playing host to a large number of events, most of which are free and open to the public to “commemorate, educate & celebrate”:

• Throughout:
  • 7^th-10^th, 10:30am-5pm: Middle & Fore Street shop window displays
  • 7^th-10^th, 10:30am-5pm: Activities at Quayside, Fore & Middle St.
  • 8^th -9^th, 10:30-11:30am: 1940s Walk from Old Coaching Inn – Fore St.
  • 8^th-10^th, 10:30am-1pm: D-Day Exhibition at Brixham Museum, New Rd
  • 9^th-11^th, All day: Brixham Rotary Club Caravan in Fore St.
  • 10^th-11^th, 1-2pm: Seagals, outside Tescos, Fore St.
• Weds 7th May:
  • 2-4pm: Brixham Battery Museum open, Fishcombe Rd
  • 7-9 pm: launch at Brixham Museum, New Rd
• Thurs 8th May:
  • 8:30-10am: D-Day Breakfast, Vigilance, Bolton Street (payment required) with Missin’ Tackle Shanty Crew performing 9-10am
  • 9-10am: unveiling of plaque to “P” Men at Breakwater
  • 10am: Parade assembles Churchill Gardens on Berry Head Road.
  • 10:30am: Unveiling ceremony at Churchill Gardens
  • 10:30am-5pm: Middle & Fore Street shop window displays
  • 10:30am-5pm: Activities at Quayside, Fore & Middle St.
  • 10:45am: Victory Parade to Brixham War Memorial
  • 11am: Wreath Laying Service at War Memorial, with music from Town Band & Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir
  • 12 Noon: Victory Parade marches to Fore St.
  • 12:30pm: Scottish Pipers & Drummers in Fore St.
  • 1-2pm: Lord Lieutenants reception in Conservative Club
  • 1-2pm Black Gold folk group, outside Tescos, Fore St.
  • 1-4pm: Victory Street Party in Fore St.
  • 6:30pm: Peace Parade on path to Shoalstone Pool on Berry Head Road
  • 6:30-11pm: VE Evening Dinner & Dance at Berry Head Hotel, £29.95 PP (book by calling 01803 852270)
  • 7-9pm: Peace Concert at Shoalstone Pool featuring The Music Factory CIC (formerly MusicAtTheEdge)
  • 9:30pm: Shoalstone Pool Beacon lighting, as part of nationwide beacon lighting
• Fri 9th May:
  • 2-3pm: Missin’ Tackle shanty crew, Prince William Sq.
  • 2-4pm: Brixham Battery Museum open, Fishcombe Road
  • 2:30-3:45pm: Victory Concert in All Saints Church
  • 7-10pm: Brixham Theatre 1940s Musical Tribute
• Sat 10^th May:
  • 11am-12 noon: Missin’ Tackle shanty crew, Prince William Sq.
  • 1-2pm: Local Performers’ Victory tribute, Prince Williams Sq.
  • 7:30-9:30pm: 1940s Quiz, The Golden Lion, New Road, £4 PP
• Sun 11th May:
  • 11am-4pm Brixham Battery Museum special events, Fishcombe Road
  • 1-2pm Black Gold folk group, outside Tescos, Fore St.
  • 2-3pm Bay Brass Band, Prince William Sq.
  • 4-5pm: National Fishing Remembrance Day, Southern Quay
  • 7-8pm Commemoration in presence of the Lord Lieutenant representing HM King, with music from Town Band & Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir, at St Mary’s Church
  • 8-9pm: Tea/Coffee reception at adjacent Church Centre

Outside of Brixham, Torbay Communities will be hosting an afternoon of celebrations on 7^th May, 2-4pm at the Central Conservative Club, 226 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QS, with music from the era, a singalong, dancing, 1940s quiz and raffle, plus plenty of refreshments. Anyone wishing to attend are encouraged to either dress in Union Jack colours (red, white and/or blue) or in the fashion of 1945. “It will be a good old knees up and fun had by all”

The Central Conservative Club also hosts a Veterans & Family Lunch Club, on the first Friday of each month, 12noon-2pm, with two courses available for £10.50 (main & dessert, pre-orders essential) and free parking. For more details, call Anne Brooks on 07952044305.

To find out more about what events and activities are happening in your neighbourhood, contact your local community builder – find their details on our website at www.torbaycommunities.com/builders, call us on 01803 212638 or email [email protected]. You can also call Torbay Community Helpline to be put in touch, or if you need further support with any needs, including food parcels, financial advice, mental health, befriending and then some. One call, that’s all – 01803 446022.