Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at free town centre event

A vintage market takes place at Old Market Place on Thursday 8 May, the 80th anniversary of the Second World War in Europe coming to an end when the German forces surrendered after nearly six years of conflict.

In addition to the vintage market, the VE Day celebration includes free vintage garden games and face-painting, with World War Two re-enactors also on hand to help visitors step back in time to the 1940s.

The VE Day vintage market runs from 3pm to 8pm. Stallholders interested in hosting a stall at the market should email MandyJane@ttcountryevents.co.uk

Rugby Borough Council plans to mark VE Day by flying a special 80th anniversary flag at the Town Hall and, at 9.30pm, lighting a Lamp Light of Peace - part of a nationwide campaign to mark the anniversary and remember those who fought for our freedom during the Second World War.

In addition, the council plans to install VE Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day 80th anniversary memorial benches at the war memorials at Whitehall Recreation Ground and Hillmorton's High Street, together with a memorial bench near the silhouette statues of soldiers at Bilton's Assheton Recreation Ground.

Tom Kittendorf, Rugby Borough Council's chief officer for leisure and wellbeing, said: "A national holiday was declared on 8 May 1945 and the VE Day celebrations included impromptu street parties and parades.

"We want to capture the spirit of VE Day at the vintage market and turn it into a celebration for the whole community, while taking the opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by so many to ensure we enjoy our freedom today."

While VE Day brought conflict to an end in Europe, armed forces remained engaged in fighting in the Asia-Pacific until Japan's surrender on 15 August 1945 - VJ Day - which ended the Second World War.