Council to mark VE and VJ Day

Brentwood Borough Council, which the Liberal Democrat-led Joint Administration leads, looks to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Liberal Democrat Councillors will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) with events designed to honour the legacy of the Second World War while fostering community togetherness through reflection and celebration.

On Thursday, 8 May, a VE Day flag-raising ceremony will occur outside Brentwood Town Hall, led by the Mayor, Councillor Mark Haigh, and attended by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Barry Aspinell, and the Deputy Leader, Councillor Vicky Davies.

The ceremony marks the borough’s official tribute to the day Allied forces celebrated the end of the war in Europe in 1945, and will offer a moment of remembrance, unity and gratitude.

The council will also acknowledge August’s 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan).

While the flag-raising is the central event on 8 May, the celebrations continue into the summer. This year’s Strawberry Fair, taking place on Sunday 8 June, will feature a freedom march by 124 Essex Transport Squadron from the Town Hall to King George’s Playing Fields, further commemorating the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation.