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Louth to commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day with Royal British Legion

Thu 10 Apr 2025

At Masons, we are delighted to support the Royal British Legion in Louth in commemorating a significant milestone: the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8th May 2025. The Royal British Legion is at the forefront of the celebrations, led by Steve Smith and the Louth Veterans as they organise a series of events to remember and honour the sacrifice and service made by the Second World War generation. 
 

A look back at VE day in Louth

VE Day, which took place on 8th May 1945, marked the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces. In Britain, the day was met with jubilant celebrations. Pubs were allowed to stay open late, and the streets were filled with singing, dancing, parties, and parades. Red, white, and blue bunting adorned the streets, a welcome contrast to the years of wartime rationing. Special thanksgiving services were held across the nation.  

However, the overwhelming joy and relief were tempered with the poignant remembrance of the hundreds of thousands of British, Commonwealth, and Allied service personnel who had perished or were still missing. There was also the sobering reality that brutal fighting continued in East Asia and the Pacific until August. It's crucial to remember that the Second World War generation, through their courage and resilience, profoundly impacted the course of history, defending the freedoms we cherish today.  

 

Louth's VE day 80th Anniversary Commemorations 2025



At very short notice, the Royal British Legion in Louth has organised a series of events to mark this important anniversary on Thursday, 8th May 2025:  

Daytime Festivities: The heart of Louth will come alive with a marquee in the Market Place, showcasing Royal British Legion memorabilia, a Shire horse, and display vehicles including an old fire engine. 

Church Bells Ring: 6.30pm

Evening Parade and Service: 8.50pm as evening approaches, the commemoration will take a more formal tone. A parade will proceed from the Market Place to the War Memorial for a short memorial service.  

Beacon Lighting: 9.30pm the evening will culminate with the lighting of a beacon, a symbolic act of remembrance and peace.  

Participation as a Town: To add to the festive atmosphere, there will be a "Best-Dressed Shop Contest," encouraging local businesses to decorate their storefronts with bunting and other celebratory displays.  



More ways to get involved

Morrisons Kids' Colouring Competition: Keep an eye out for this fun activity for the younger generation to participate in the VE Day commemorations.  

40s Afternoon at The King's Head: The celebrations extend beyond VE Day itself. On Saturday, 10th May, The King's Head will host a 40s Afternoon, featuring live music from "Relentless" at 3pm.  

The Royal British Legion's commemoration in Louth promises to be a fitting tribute to the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, blending remembrance, celebration, and community spirit. It's an opportunity for residents to come together, honour the past, and celebrate the enduring legacy of peace.

Please help to spread the word by joining the celebrations, decorating your windows and sharing the itinerary. If you have any questions, please contact Chairman of the Louth & District Royal British Legion, Steve Smith on 07717 29013.

Along with the Louth Veterans Group, Steve re-established the Louth & District Royal British Legion in January 2025.

Louth Veterans meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month for Veterans Breakfast at the King’s Head. They run Louth Veterans Facebook Group and also run Louth Veterans Charitable Fund.

You can also contact Steve by email [email protected]

Huge thanks to Ray Woodcock for collating and sharing this information.