Free bus travel for military personnel and veterans as VE Day 80 is marked across North East Lincolnshire

The 80^th anniversary of VE Day will be marked across North East Lincolnshire with events to remember the Fallen of the Second World War, to give thanks – and to celebrate.

On May 8, 1945, celebrations erupted to mark the end of World War II in Europe. Victory in Europe Day saw Germany unconditionally surrender its military forces to the Allies. Look at pictures here from the Lincs Inspire archives of street parties in Hilstead’s Yard, off Crescent Street, Grimsby and along Cleethorpes’ Bennett Road.

Eighty years on, there’s lots going on across the borough – and for past and present military personnel, Stagecoach East Midlands is providing free bus travel on Thursday 8 May.

People in uniform or carrying a military ID, veterans with a veteran’s badge or medal, and cadets in uniform – can travel free!

This will apply to all those in uniform or carrying a military ID, veterans with a veteran’s badge or medal, and cadets in uniform.

Events taking place include:

Saturday 3 May:

• Grimsby Central Hall will open its doors for an indoor Street Party with music of the time from Cleethorpes Band. Narrated and with screened images, people will also get the chance to taste biscuits made to authentic Ministry of Food recipes published for the home front! Tickets are limited and only available in advance – they will not be available on the door. You can buy them at www.grimsbycentralhall.org.uk  

Monday 5 to Sunday 11 May:

• VE Day Celebrations at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre will be marked all week from 5-11 May with 1940s music in the café, Lincolnshire tea and coffee and cakes and 10 per cent discount in the café.

VE Day Thursday 8 May:

• His worshipful Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, will lead a Civic Service at St Mary on the Sea in Heneage Road, Grimsby at 6pm (please arrive by 5.50pm). Led by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Canon Andrew Cole, there is an open invitation for people of North East Lincolnshire to join invited guests for the Service of Remembrance and Thanks.

• Laceby is celebrating with events and activities at Butt Lane Playing Field from 5.30pm including bell ringing and a Victoria Sponge Making Competition! Earlier, at 11am, Laceby Royal British Legion will be laying a wreath at the War Memorial.

• There’s VE Celebrations, at Bentley’s Coffee Shop & Vintage Lincs, Cleethorpes from 11am to 4pm, and a VE Day Bake Sale at The Trawlerman Cleethorpes from11am to 2pm.

• In Cleethorpes, events begin at the Knoll, the home of the Armed Forces Team (AFMET), where breakfasts will be served from 9.30am in Blighty's cafe. The car park near The Knoll, at the top of Sea View Street, will be closed to accommodate a display of Second World War vehicles.  The veterans’ social club on Alexandra Road will also be open for a celebration with visitors encouraged to dress up in 1940s style outfits. At 11am a short ceremony will be held at Cleethorpes’ Remembrance Gate with the flags flying proudly. Visitors are reminded that the new mural on the beach side of the Gate is now finished and can be viewed – with its tribute to the county’s military history.

• At Waltham Windmill a VE Day 80 Lighting of the Beacon will take place at 9.30pm with gates opening at 7.30pm. Over at Waltham British Legion Club, ‘From D-Day to Victory”, will take place at 7pm in the Waltham Legion Hall. Showcasing pivotal moments from the Second World War, the performance will blend historical accuracy with a heartfelt narrative, and themes of sacrifice and remembrance. People are advised to arrive at 6.45pm.

Friday 9 May:

• His worshipful Mayor, Cllr Steve Beasant, will be at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre where there is a special flag raising. Taking place at 2.30pm, everyone is welcome to go along – with a special shout out to veterans.

Saturday 10 May

• VE Day Anniversary with Carrie Michaels, Cleethorpes Navy Club 1.30pm.

•  Waltham Windmill is hosting a1940s great family day out from 11am to 3pm

• Freeman Street Market is also joining in the anniversary celebrations with a1940s day of dance, memorabilia, food and fun will take place from 10am until 3pm.

• There’s VE Day Sequence Party & Dancing with St Giles Dance Club, St Giles Church from 7.30pm.

• A Street-style party celebrating VE Day will take place at  Laceby Royal British Legion, 7pm.

Sunday 11 May

• At Immingham War Memorial, at the junction of Humberville Road and Pelham Road, there will be a Commemoration Service at 2pm.

Monday 12 May

• Land of Hope and Glory comes to Grimsby Auditorium at 2pm – with Neil Sands and his cast on stage with their popular patriotic show especially produced to coincide with the anniversary. Details at Land of Hope and Glory - Grimsby Auditorium

Full details of other events at www.discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk

Or for all events go to Activities and events – VE Day and VJ Day 80