From parades to street parties, here’s everything you need to know about how Bristol and the West Country are marking VE Day this year.
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00:00This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, better known as VE Day,
00:06and people across Bristol and the West Country are being encouraged to
00:11celebrate the historic occasion with street parties and community events.
00:16From the 5th to the 8th of May, towns and cities will join in nationwide
00:21commemorations including a special flypast, a national concert and a
00:25remembrance survey at Westminster Abbey. Local councils are encouraging
00:29residents to apply for street closure permissions as early as possible, with
00:35several authorities like Gloucester, Bath and North East Somerset waiving their
00:40usual fees to encourage celebrations. Somerset Council has planned events
00:46including a flag raising ceremony and reef laying in Taunton, as well as a
00:52civic service at the Minster. Bristol City Hall will be lit in red, white and
00:57blue and street parties will take place across the city on the bank holiday
01:01weekend. Aerospace Bristol Museum is offering special wartime tours
01:06showcasing historic aircraft and even opening a newly restored air raid
01:11shelter. Across Wiltshire, communities like Royal Wootton Bassett will host
01:16live music, food stalls and a funfair to celebrate. It's hoped the weekend will
01:22help communities reconnect, reflect and celebrate together. Organisers say it's
01:27an ideal moment to hear veteran stories firsthand, preserving their memories for
01:32future generations. Well it looks like there's going to be some really super
01:37things happening across our part of the world and I certainly hope you're able
01:41to join in the celebrations.