VE Day Celebrations across Lancashire

This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, a day traditionally celebrated on 8th May as VE Day. 

With such a prominent anniversary, there are a number of events taking place; including beacon lightings in our major towns and cities, where people can gather to pay their respects for the lives lost during the time of turmoil. Other events taking place celebrate of the end of that period and the people who helped with Britain's victory over Germany. Read on to find out about the events you can enjoy this VE Day and beyond.  

Saturday 3rd May 
Pop up VE Day Tearoom at The Judges Lodgings  

The Friends of the Judges Lodgings hold regular tearoom events within the fascinating museum. This month's event will celebrate all things VE Day with homemade cakes, coffee and tea served with 1940s style in the tearoom. After enjoying a bite to eat and a refuel, why not explore the rest of the museum, with its huge collection of Gillows furniture and dedicated Museum of Childhood exhibition.  

Thursday 8th May   
VE Day at Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes  

Visit Fairhaven Lake in commemoration of the 80 years of peace that so many members of our local communities fought for. The event will feature a beacon lighting ceremony and music and speeches, including the Bluebirds and Mr Winston Churchill with his famous Victory in Europe speech. From dusk, Lytham will join the national beacon lighting ceremony by illuminating Lytham Windmill in red, white and blue. The windmill will also be lit on the evenings of 6th and 7th May. 

 
Thursday 8th May   
VE Day at the Flag Market, Preston  

Head to Preston for an evening of reflection for those who served during World War II. Centred around a symbolic beacon lighting ceremony this event will feature a tribute from cadets and veterans and choir performances leading up to the beacon lighting, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance as we honour the heroes of the time. Vintage Singer Hattie Bee will perform throughout the evening, including a commemorative National Anthem to close. 

Thursday 8th May 
VE Day at the Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool 
Blackpool will join in the celebrations with a VE Day 80 event hosted by Hayley Kay on Tower Festival Headland. This will include performances from Dad’s Army Band and George Formby tribute and singer Beverley Alexander will lead a communal rendition of I Vow to Thee My Country. At 9.30pm Blackpool will join the national beacon lighting ceremony by illuminating Blackpool Tower in red, white and blue. The tower will also be lit on the evenings of 6th and 7th May.  

Saturday 10th May 
Inside the Collections: Grand Victory Show Poster, Blackpool  
The Showtown History Centre in Blackpool Central Library is hosting a Grand Victory Show Poster Exhibition which will star the Blackpool Tower Circus 1945 show poster. See the poster as it comes out of stores and is on display this May, alongside other wartime circus items. You can also hear more about the show which began not long after the celebrations of VE Day.  

Sunday 11th May 
Chorley's Picnic in the Park  

One of Chorley's most well-loved annual events is back, and for 2025 only it will have a VE Day theme. Head to Astley Park for this fantastic celebration, with free family fun, activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. There will be music with 1940s style covers of modern classics, military displays, a classic car rally, fairground rides and face painting.  

Sunday 11th May 
Whitworth VE80 Fest, Hyndburn  
Head to the Civic Hall in Whitworth for a VE Day celebration. This event will see attendees treated to performances from Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band, Rossendale Drum Majorettes, Whitworth’s u3a Ukulele Band, and Whitworth Community Choir. In keeping with the 1940s theme, residents are encouraged to dress in period costume, and local photographer Howard Wilkinson will be on hand to capture the festivities. Tickets are priced at £6 and can be purchased from the town council. 

More 2025 celebrations 

In addition to the VE Day events, Lancashire will continue to celebrate and commemorate the armed forces and 1940s era throughout the year too.  

The Wartime Blackpool exhibition is in place at Showtown Museum in Blackpool until the 30th September. Blackpool will also be marketing Armed Forces Week from the 28th June, with a parade. Military Personnel will be honoured with events, activities and exclusive offers across the resort.  

You'll find 1940s weekends popping up throughout the year starting with the return of the popular 1940s weekend at Heskin Hall in Chorley on the 7th and 8th June. The Saturday of that weekend there is a D-Day commemoration and war re-enactment planned at St James Church is Accrington.  

On the 28th & 29th June, the Carnforth 1940s Weekend will take place, celebrating its links to the wartime era and its use as the film set of one of the most romantic movies of all time Brief Encounter. The film was shot in and around the station during the war and released in 1945 to great acclaim. 

The Lytham 1940s weekend annual event which takes place each August will return in 2025. This is a fantastic event which sees thousands of people reliving the ear. There will be music, dancing, weapons display, historic vehicles, vintage traders and more at the event so be sure to check it out.