On Sunday 29th June, Rutland joined together for a day marking the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan Day, with a busy day of celebration and commemoration of the occasion.

Serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans participated in the parade, along with local community groups and organisations (Photo: Lord Lieutenant of Rutland)

The day started at 10am with a parade from Oakham Castle to All Saints Church along Oakham High Street. The parade included the Armed Forces, veterans, cadets, Scouts, Guides, and representatives from local villages, with spectators watching along the High Street.

Dr. Sarah Furness, The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland attended events throughout the day (Photo: Lord Lieutenant of Rutland)

Dr. Sarah Furness, The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland commented, 'This celebration is an appropriate way to mark our appreciation of those in our county giving active service as it marks the end of Armed Forces Week. Our freedoms were hard fought for and our military are fundamental in maintaining them.'

Following the parade, a church service of thanksgiving was held at All Saints Church in Oakham, inviting attendees to participate in prayers of gratitude and remembrance.

Armed Services Week was marked with a flypast from an RAF Lancaster (Photo: Richard in Rutland Photography)

The day's festivities continued at Cutts Close Park with live music, performances by the Army Cadets Corp and a RAF Lancaster Flypast, as well as a funfair, vintage military vehicles display and food and drink stalls.

The Army Cadets performed to the gathered crowd (Photo: Grace Kennington)

To watch our livestream of the Army Cadets' performance, click here.

Rutland Big Band was the last performance of the day, bringing the perfect end to the celebration (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Hundreds of people attended Party in the Park, organised by Oakham Town Council with the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland (Photo: Grace Kennington)

This event was hugely popular, with families flooding to the park to enjoy the day, with performances from Army Cadets and Rutland Big Band.