VE Day 75th anniversary events in Hartlepool: 'Gun Run', street party and services among events planned

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on May 8 has been celebrated nationally since the end of the Second World War fighting in Europe.

This year marks the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the occasion and council chiefs said this gives an opportunity to celebrate Hartlepool’s place in the events.

Commemorations will begin on Friday, May 8, with a civic toast to the heroes of the war, led by the mayor in the Civic Centre with invited guests and veterans at 3pm, while churches will ring their bells at 7pm.

Saturday, May 9, is set to feature a street party in Church Square, with the council providing a stage, entertainment, tables, chairs and street decorations.

Council officers said the event will be themed on 1940s Hartlepool and they will endeavour to find as many residents who actually remember the day so they can be invited to the event.

The time proposed for the event is between noon and 4pm, and people will be encouraged to bring their own food and drink along.

An evening function is also set to be held from 7pm until 11pm at the Town Hall Theatre, with the event arranged and run by the Armed Forces Liaison Group.

On Sunday, May 10, another street party is to be arranged and run in conjunction with the Heugh Battery Museum between noon and 4pm.

The same day is also to feature a ‘Gun Run’ on the Town Moor at the Headland between 1pm and 2pm.

Church services are also to be held across the borough to commemorate the anniversary.

Hartlepool Borough Council Regeneration Services Committee unanimously endorsed plans.

Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher, chair of the Regeneration Services Committee, said: “I would just like to thank the team for organising this, it’s really important to mark the occasion.

“I hope we encourage as many people as possible to attend to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day.”

Coun Lee Cartwright, Armed Forces Champion on the council, added he thought it would be a great occasion and thanked council officers for their hard work in planning the events.