Chard and Ilminster VE Day anniversary celebrations 2025

VE DAY 2025 celebrates 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Below are some of the events that took place in South Somerset on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to commemorate this historic occasion.

Ilminster VE Day 2025

Ilminster Town Council along with Ilminster residents celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with four special events.

In preparation, shops decorated their windows, large banners were hung up and local legend Bob Bright was seen wearing Union Jack flags. 

The events started at 11am at the Recreation Ground, with the Ilminster Town council attending along with the children of Herne View Church of England Primary School, who read war poetry.

Mayor Brian Hamilton also a proclamation, following the students, in place of the Town Crier who could not attend.

When asked why the day is still important by the Chard and Ilminster News, Mayor Brian Hamilton said: "We should remember on today of all days that war is cruel, there are no winners.

"It's important to remember what we as a country went through and the devastation that the war caused."

He added: "Its important for the children to remember and not forget the sacrifices made."

The poetry and proclamations were then followed by refreshments served in the Tony Rice Bar. 

In the evening, the bells at the Ilminster Minster were rung specially for the event and at 8.30pm residents gathered to listen to the Mayor make another proclamation and lead the two minutes of silence.

Finally, the day was concluded by a procession making their way to the Beacon where the Mayor read out a VE Day tribute and the beacon was lit.

READ MORE: Bells, flags, bonfires and cows: How South Somerset celebrated VE Day in 1945

Horton Cross Nursing Home VE Day 2025

Residents, their families, and friends were treated to a "heart warming" day of VE Day celebrations, filled with nostalgia and community spirit.

Staff dressed in wartime-era outfits, and a display of memorabilia inspired many to share touching stories and personal recollections from the era.

The Home joined the nation in observing the two-minute silence and watching the service at Westminster Abbey, honouring the sacrifices and resilience of that generation.

In the spirit of the day, residents and the Activities Team worked together to plan a wonderful indoor street party.

The menu was a special highlight—featuring wartime favourites such as spam fritters, corned beef hash, potted paste fish and meat for sandwiches, and traditional treats like jelly with condensed and evaporated milk, and of course, jam tarts.

A staff spokesperson said: "We did our best to recreate the flavours of the time, and the food was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

"It was a day filled with laughter, reflection, and community—a truly fitting tribute to VE Day."

Chard VE Day 2025

Chard Town Council marked VE Day through multiple key events which hoped to capture the community's interest, bringing together many groups and organisations integral to the town. 

The day started at 9am with the Town Crier's proclamation and the flag raising at the Guildhall.

At 10.45am there was a wreath laying service at St Mary's Church to pay respects for all the soldiers who fought in World War Two and lost their lives.

Lastly, at 6pm there was the ringing of the bells in celebration of lasting peace.

This was followed by the beacon lighting event with live music provided by John Gudge, Blackdown Acapella and Lavina maria at the Chard Beacon at 7pm.

Hatch Beauchamp C of E Primary School VE Day 2025

Hatch Beauchamp decorated the school with Union Jacks and invited the children to wear red, white and/or blue non uniform into school.

Staff then challenged them all to bake a cake using an authentic World War Two recipe. 

The school then invited all families to come in to try the freshly made World War Two cakes (along with tea and coffee provided by the school) and join in the VE Day celebrations.

Donyatt Village Hall VE Day 2025

Donyatt residents celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Donyatt Village Hall on Thursday evening. 

The celebrations were arranged by Donyatt Hall Committe and included a brass band called Lest playing live music from the 1940s.

The evening was then concluded by a poppy competition, judged by Counsellor Sue Osbourne, who named Max the winner.

Crewkerne VE Day 80 Celebrations

Crewkerne has commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of events that honoured the sacrifices of the past while bringing the community together.

On Thursday, May 9, the Town Crier delivered the official VE Day 80 proclamation outside the Town Hall, joined by Deputy Mayor Cllr Kathy Head.

The proclamation marked the beginning of the national commemoration, paying tribute to those who served and endured during the Second World War.

Later that evening, Mayor Cllr Alice Samuel led a solemn moment of remembrance at the Severalls War Memorial, where she laid a wreath and lit a Lamp of Peace as a symbol of hope and reconciliation.

The commemorations continued on Saturday with a community event hosted by the Royal British Legion in the War Memorial Gardens. Families enjoyed an afternoon of music, activities, and refreshments, creating a fitting blend of remembrance and celebration.

Manor Court Community Primary - 80th VE Day Anniversary 

Manor Court Community Primary School was awash with red, white, and blue on Thursday as the school community came together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in a moving and joyful afternoon of remembrance, reflection, and celebration.

Held on the school’s playing field, the event welcomed parents, carers, relatives, and local friends for a community picnic and a vibrant programme of entertainment.

The commemorative afternoon featured a host of engaging activities, including performances by a 1940s singer, authentic live lindy hop dancing, and appearances by WW2 re-enactors and vintage military vehicles—offering pupils a unique opportunity to connect with history in a meaningful and memorable way.

“This was a truly special day,” said Miss Laura Gregory, the school’s Early Intervention Officer. “Watching our pupils learn about the sacrifices of the past while surrounded by their families and community was incredibly moving. The sense of togetherness and pride was felt by everyone.”

Each class gathered in a designated area on the field, and families were invited to enjoy the picnic alongside their children, who could choose to sit with their families during the afternoon.

The School Council also played a significant role in the success of the day, running a Traditional Tuck Shop which offered sweets and soft drinks for 50p each, with proceeds going to their chosen charity – The Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital.

One of the highlights was the school’s Biscuit Competition, where pupils and families brought in homemade goods, which were baked from Second World War recipes, to share and be judged.

In another touching gesture, a Table of Remembrance was created, featuring stories and photos of loved ones from the community who lived through the Second World War.

Head Teacher, Mr Luke Talmage praised the efforts of everyone involved.

“It was an honour to host this event and see so many members of our school community come together to remember, learn and celebrate,” he said. “Our pupils engaged with the history of VE Day in such a respectful and enthusiastic way. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to all the families who joined us.”

The day was not only a celebration of peace and the end of a difficult chapter in history, but also a reminder of the enduring strength of community—something Manor Court Community Primary clearly holds at its heart.