2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of both VE Day and VJ, both of which will be marked in Rutland as important anniversaries. 

The VE Day Anniversary will take place on 8th May and the VJ Anniversary will be marked on 15th August. There will also be a set of joint activities on the weekend of 28th and 29th June to mark 'Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration for VE and VJ Day,' including the main event being Party in the Park on Sunday 29th June. 

Rutland is a 'military county' with a significant proportion of residents having a close connection to the armed forces, and around 20% of Rutland's population being made up of serving, reservists, veterans, MOD civilian workers, or family members of these groups. Combined with the connection to the military and Rutland's rich connection to its history and culture, Rutland as a county will be marking VE Day with significant events on 8th May. 

The day will begin at 10am at Oakham Castle for a Flag Raising ceremony where local dignitaries, veterans, and residents will gather to pay homage to those who served and sacraficed during the war. There will be a National Proclaimation read out by Paul Ainsley, Mayor of Oakham, as well as a speech by Dr. Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. These will be followed by prayers and the raising of the official VE Day 80th Anniversary Flag. For those wishing to attend, arrive at Oakham Castle at 9.50am for a prompt 10am start. 

There will also be a Beacon Lighting ceremony on the evening of the 8th May in Cutts Close Park, in time with beacons lit in sequence at hundreds of locations across the country. There will also be Morris Dancing and other entertainment in the park to mark the occasion, followed by the beacon lighting ceremony which is scheduled for 9.30pm. 

There will be similar events happening in Uppingham, with the National Proclamation being heard at 9am in the Market Place. In the evening, there will be a gathering at 8.45pm on Tod's Piece followed by live music from 9pm and the Beacon Lighting at 9.30pm. 

Upcoming events for your diary include the VJ Day anniversary on 15th August and the joint celebration of the two dates on the weekend of 28th and 29th June and 'The Party in the Park' on Sunday 29th June with live period music, dancers, food, a beer tent, a range of stalls from local sellers, children's fun fair and an RAF Flypast. Further information will be published closer to the time with more details.