Rutland Remembers: Join Oakham’s Party in the Park to mark 80th Anniversary of VE and VJ Day
2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, with both these special anniversaries being marked with a celebration on 28th and 29th June.
Falling at the end of Armed Forces Week, 'Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration for VE and VJ Day' will include events across the weekend.
On Saturday, Oakham will mark Armed Forces Day with a gathering at the Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Club at The Grainstore from 9am. This special event invites veterans and serving personnel to connect and reflect over a hearty breakfast.
On Sunday 29th June, the main celebrations will be started with a parade from Oakham Castle to All Saints Church at 10am. The parade will include representatives from the Armed Forces, veterans, cadets, Scouts, Guides and representatives from towns and villages across the county. Residents are invited to line the High Street for a view of the procession.
At 10.30am, there will be a Church Service of Thanksgiving at All Saints Church, welcoming everyone to join in prayers of gratitude and remembrance.
From 12 noon until 5pm, The Party in the Park will take place in Cutts Close Park, Oakham. This lively event will include live music, performances by the Army Cadet Corps of Drums, a spectacular RAF Lancaster Flypast, funfair, vintage military vehicles and refreshment stalls.
The weekend coincides with the Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival, which is taking place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June. Veterans and serving personnel will be able to enter for free by presenting their ID Cards.
In a statement about the upcoming event, Dr Sarah Furness, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland said: "The powerful joy and relief at the end of the 2nd World War in Europe, and then in Japan, was a reflection of the losses, privations, destruction and hardship suffered during World War II. The guns were silent, and peaceful life could be resumed.
"Rutland will come together this weekend to celebrate the peace and unity that was so hard won. I urge everyone from across our county, civilian, veteran and serving soldiers to join together to enjoy this weekend, our freedoms and way of life. This celebration will be 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."
Share:
