These photos show some of the celebrations that have been held throughout the town and villages of East Devon to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Town and villages across the district have come together on May 8 to host scores of community events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe.
Tonight, Thursday, a beacon will be lit in Exmouth, joining others across the country to mark the anniversary and remember those who did not return home.
All were invited to a community picnic and live music in Exmouth Manor Gardens on Thursday afternoon (May 8), ahead of a teatime memorial service in The Strand, and an evening reading of a formal proclamation to mark the commemorations, at the Imperial Recreation Ground.
A beacon will be lit at Exmouth Recreation Ground at 9.30pm (May 8), joining other lit beacons around the country.
Exmouth Stroke Survivors volunteers dressed as land girls.
Photo: with permission.
VE Day anniversary celebrations were enjoyed by the ‘land girls’ at Exmouth Stroke Survivors.
Photo: with permission.
VE Day anniversary celebrations were held by Exmouth Stroke Survivors.
Photo: with permission.
Exmouth Stroke Survivor’s Club looked the part when volunteers dressed up as land girls, and members tucked into a meal served out of war-style mess tins, while celebrating with music and dancing.
A fish and chip street-type party was held at Exmouth Salvation Army Hall.
Residents at Otter Lodge, in Honiton, celebrated the VE Day anniversary with afternoon tea, live music, and tucking into homemade cake while sharing their own memories.
VE Day anniversary celebrations at Otter Lodge included Heavitree Strummers Ukulele Band and Honiton U3A singing group.
Photo: with permission.
VE Day anniversary celebrations in Honiton included lots of homemade cake.
Photo: with permission.
Caroline Haswell, Churchill spokeswoman, said: “Our VE Day event was the perfect opportunity for local people to come and celebrate the 80th anniversary of this huge moment in our history.
“It was great to see everyone dressed in red, white and blue and enjoying the occasion. Thank you to our amazing musical performers, and to everyone who came and helped to make the event such a success.”
Exmouth Stroke Survivors celebrated VE Day 80 with food, music and dancing.
Photo: with permission.
Otter Lodge hung out the bunting for the VE Day anniversary celebrations.
Photo: with permission.
