VE Day 80th Anniversary – A Wonderful Celebration of Community and Remembrance
Thursday 8th May marked a special occasion in Great Linford Parish, as the community came together to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
Hosted by Great Linford Parish Council and Great Linford Community Hub, the event took place in Ping Square and welcomed over 220 attendees. From 4:00 PM onwards, residents gathered for an afternoon filled with remembrance, music, food, and a strong community spirit.
Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Many attendees embraced the vintage dress theme, and one of the highlights of the afternoon was the free fish and chip supper.
We were honoured to welcome Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Julia Upton MBE as our special guest. Her attendance added great significance to the event, reminding us all of the importance of marking such milestones with gratitude and reflection.
The square was filled with music, which kept spirits high throughout the afternoon. Janice Miller and Steve Barnwell delivered a delightful musical performance, while the talented Bruce Carson entertained on keyboard and vocals.
The event was not only a success in numbers, but also in spirit — a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together.
Tommy Hayes, Community Liaison Officer for Great Linford Parish Council, shared:
"It was great to see so many local residents, families, and neighbours come together to celebrate such a significant moment in history. Events like these remind us of the strength and warmth of our community. The turnout reflected the wonderful community spirit we’re so lucky to have here in Great Linford Parish."
Donna Nicholls, Great Linford Community Hub, added:
"At the Community Hub, we felt it was important to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day — not only to remember the sacrifices of the past but also to bring people together in the present. The afternoon was a wonderful success, full of music and laughter. Seeing people of all ages enjoying themselves and connecting made all the planning worthwhile. It truly captured the essence of what our community hub is all about."
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who came along and supported the event — your presence made the celebration truly special. We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the talented musicians who kept spirits high with their fantastic performances, and to Ian Pitham, whose sound engineering and equipment ensured the music carried beautifully across the square.
Thank you to photographers, including Jason Osborne from Flight Eye Sight and Jean Beaver, for capturing the day so beautifully. Most importantly, a special thanks to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success. Community events like this simply wouldn’t be possible without your dedication, time, and energy. Your efforts are what bring our community together and make days like this so memorable.
The VE Day 80th Anniversary event was a tribute to the past and a joyful celebration of community in the present. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the day such a meaningful success.
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