Melksham to commemorate VE Day 80th anniversary this week

Melksham will commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War with a series of community events on Thursday 8th May.

The events will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, known as Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the fighting in Europe during World War II.

The town’s event takes place on Thursday 8th May, with the raising of the Union Flag and the reading of the proclamation from the steps of the town hall at 9am.

From 11.30am, a ticketed VE Day lunch will be held in the Assembly Hall, followed by an afternoon tea dance from 2pm, featuring the Terry Hill Big Band, and a medley of 1940s music from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Tickets for the whole afternoon cost £10. Tickets to attend the tea dance only cost £6 and are available to purchase from the Melksham Assembly Hall website.

For local primary schools, Melksham Town Council will be hosting a picnic at the King George V playing fields from 12pm to 1pm.

Then, at 6.30pm, the bells of St Michael’s Church will be rung in commemoration across the town.

At 8pm, there will be a performance in the Market Place by the Wiltshire Police Band, ahead of the lighting of the beacon and the Lamp Light of Peace, followed by the reading of the VE Day tribute, which will be taking place nationally.

The evening’s commemorations will conclude with a solo performance by Liza Hartley.

To book tickets for the VE Day Lunch and Tea Dance, visit the Melksham Assembly Hall website https://www.melkshamassembly.co.uk/events

Places are limited and free tickets can be booked in advance at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/80th-v-e-day-celebrations-tickets-1324962040129

Pictures from Melksham and District Historical Association