VE DAY 80th anniversary: Events taking place across East Berkshire and South Bucks

Celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day are set to take place across the area this May.

An announcement was made on May 8 1945 that the war in Europe had ended and celebrations took place across the country.

This year’s commemorations will kick off across the Bank Holiday weekend, with plenty of events and street parties taking place, including across the Royal Borough and East Berkshire areas.

There will also be events to mark the anniversary on Thursday, May 8.

Following a call out for events, we have collated together several celebratory events taking place across the area.

MAIDENHEAD

A temporary exhibition entitled ‘Maidenhead at War’ is set to open to the public from Thursday, May 1 at Maidenhead Heritage Centre.

The exhibition, which describes life on the Home Front in Maidenhead, will feature lots of stories, photos, uniforms and objects ranging from tins of dried eggs to a first aid kit provided by Boots.

Numerous military and ATA uniforms will also be on display.

The exhibition will run until Saturday, May 31.

The heritage centre has previously appeal for the public's help in identifying anyone they know from a photo taken at a VE Day tea party in Princess Street. 

Of the 100 people in the photo, 76 have been identified and only 24 are yet to be named. 

Richard Poad, trustee at Maidenhead Heritage Centre, said: "We're really, really keen to discover the last 24 names, and if anyone had relatives who lived in Princess Street and thinks they could help, please come and have a look."

The heritage centre is also looking for help to name those appearing another VE Day celebration photo taken in Alwyn Road.

On VE Day on Thursday, May 8, guests are invited to attend a free reminiscence session at Maidenhead Heritage Centre and share their memories of what life was like during and immediately after World War Two.

The memories will cover their lives as children, what they ate and drank, what they wore, the games they played and the experiences they had.

The event will take place from 10.30am to 12.30pm and coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided.

A street party will be taking place in College Avenue in Maidenhead from 2pm onwards on Monday, May 5. 

There will be plenty of kids games, food, war-time themed music and bunting to celebrate VE in Boyn Valley Road.

A street party will take place between 1 and 35 Boyn Valley Road from 1pm to 5pm on Monday, May 5. 

Men’s Matters will be marking the occasion with a celebratory VE Day 80 event.

The event will take place Maidenhead Community Centre on Wednesday, May 7.

A VE Day street party is set to take place in Highfield Road on Monday, May 5. 

It will be a joint party with Alwyn Road, with some of Fielding Road also join in with the fun.

Guests will get to bring their own lunch at around 1pm and will enjoy games and a quiz later at around 4.30pm. 

COOKHAM

A VE Day Picnic on the Moor is set to take place on Cookham Moor from noon onwards on Sunday, May 4.

Organised by Cookham Village Events, the community picnic is taking place at the same location as the original VE Day celebrations in the village in 1945. 

With funding from Cookham Parish Council, the committee has created a afternoon of celebration for the entire community. 

Youngsters from the three primary schools in Cookham have created some bunting for the occasion. 

There will be plenty of free children's games and activities to enjoy, as well as cake baking and fancy dress competitions. 

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of 1940s music performed by local schools, choirs, singers and groups, alongside dancing and crowd singing. 

Father Stephen Mills will lead a one-minute silence at the end of the afternoon to remember those who gave their lives. 

Through additional funding contributed by the Kings Hall Trust, the team has also created an exhibition sharing the stories of those from Cookham who lost their lives during World War Two, to 'bring them back to life for the future generations'. 

There will also be memories and stories shared by residents. 

Kate Winrow-Davies, chair of Cookham Village Events, said: "We couldn't have put on the event without the support of the whole community to whom we're really grateful."

HOLYPORT

Guests are being welcomed to enjoy a VE Day street party in Holyport on Monday, May 5. 

The area will be closed from Bartletts Lane to Langworthy Lane from 10am to 6pm for the celebrations. 

Attendees can bring along tables and chairs and set up from 11am along the road and within the car park area of the Holyport War Memorial Hall. 

The green, football and park will be left free for youngsters to play safely. 

Guests will be able to try their hand at pickleball and take part in a competition. 

Rossetti Ices will be in attendance with their van, and Moneyrow Beans will be serving up some locally roasted coffee and drinks. 

Plenty of food and drink will be available from the barbecue and bar and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic.

The British Legion will host a stall on the say and there are plenty of surprises to look forward to. 

A memorial wall will be on display inside the hall and guests are encouraged to bring a photo or a piece of history to display. 

An afternoon of history, nostalgia and celebration is promised at Danesfield House on VE Day. 

From 1pm to 5pm on Thursday, May 8, guests will enjoy a range of treats including afternoon tea. 

A photographic interpretation unit display will showcase RAF Medmenham's role in the war and there will be classic cars to see from the era. 

Tea dancers and period actors will transport guests back in time. 

Tickets cost £50.00 and £5 from each ticket will be donated to the RAF Medmenham collection charity. 

Pre-payment is requires and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

Smaller groups may need to share a table. 

Guests who book a table of ten will receive one guest complimentary.

CIPPENHAM

The Cippenham Royal British Legion is set to host a celebration for the community at its based from noon to 5pm on Monday, May 5.

Guests will enjoy afternoon team for £10 per person, including sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes, tea/coffee and scones.

Cream teas will also be available for £3 each or two for £5 and this will include a scone, jam, clotted cream and a tea/coffee.

An array of children’s activities will be on offer, including pin the tail on the donkey, face painting, children’s races, sack races, a tombola, a fundraising raffle and music by DJ Steve.

The club bar and outside Tiki Bar, with themed cocktails, will be open for guests to raise a glass to mark the occasion.

Organisers ask that guests pre-book to avoid missing out.

For more information email cippenham.chair@rbl.community or call 07753604271.

On Thursday, May 8, the legion is inviting guests to enjoy an evening of bingo from 8pm.

From 9.30pm, guests will pause for a singalong to the hymn I Vow Thee My Country, and will raise a glass to mark VE Day.

SLOUGH

Slough Libraries will be marking the historic milestone with displays and decorations, and a special afternoon at The Curve. 

From May 1 to May 8, library visitors can help decorate the library by creating bunting and paper chains, using materials available from staff at the Cippenham, Langley, and The Curve libraries. 

The Curve will feature a display of photos and newspapers showcasing Slough's war-time history. 

On Thursday, May 8 from 2pm to 4pm, The Curve will host a digital drop-in, providing an opportunity to find out more information about free access to the Ancestry website at the library or create a playlist of nostalgic music. 

The event will also allow people to bring along their photos, letters, memorabilia and family stories to share. 

A community commemoration will also take place at Britwell Library on Thursday, May 8 from 10am to 3pm, organised by the Britwell Community Forum.