The council is inviting Southampton residents to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day by organising community street parties.
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As a major port, Southampton played a critical role in Britain’s war effort, with the docks a key embarkation point for troops and supplies heading to Europe.
Meanwhile the Supermarine factory in Woolston built the iconic Spitfire. This made Southampton a prime target for enemy bombing, with the Southampton Blitz (1940–44) destroying thousands of homes and damaging landmarks including parts of the Civic Centre.
Southampton City Council is now inviting people to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which is on Thursday, May 8, with community street parties between Wednesday April 30 and Wednesday May 21.
Photo: Street party in Southampton - May 1945. Southampton City Archives: Southampton City Council
It says usual road closure fees will be waived, and applications should be submitted by March 30.
Applications are also open for the Lord Mayor’s Tea Party, a special gathering on Thursday May 8 to honour the occasion. Applications must be received by Friday March 38. Spaces are limited, with priority given to World War II veterans, other veterans, and residents with memorabilia or photos of Southampton during World War II or VE Day to share on the day.
The city and partners will also host a programme of public events to honour Southampton’s role in World War II, including:
- Hampshire VE 80 Concert at the O2 Guildhall Southampton, hosted by The Royal British Legion on Sunday May 4.
- A Proclamation Ceremony – a public event at the Civic Centre on Thursday May 8, featuring the Lord Mayor, Town Crier, and a piper, followed by the raising of a VE Day 80 flag.
- Beacon Lighting – an evening ceremony on Thursday May 8, with a performance by the City of Southampton (Albion) Band.
- Southampton VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party – a large-scale celebration at Carlton Place on Sunday May 11, featuring music, entertainment, 1940s vehicles and food.
For more information, see the dedicated Visit Southampton webpage.