2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day). VE Day marked the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945.
Sandwell's main civic service will take place on VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 with a small parade followed by a service in Oldbury Civic Square led by Reverend Dwayne McQuaid, with support from Royal British Legions.
The service will be held outside Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DB (sat nav postcode), from 11am to 12 noon. Everyone is invited to attend, and people are asked to arrive at 10.45am in time for the parade. Light refreshments will be served after the service.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Sandwell Council has waived road closure fees to encourage communities across the borough to take part in VE Day 80 street parties.
People can find advice about street parties and street meets on the Visit Sandwell website where there is also information on how to apply for a road closure if needed. The closing date for road closure applications is Friday 25 April 2025.
The council strongly encourages organisers of street parties to take advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend from 3-5 May or the following weekend from 10-11 May to hold events.
The annual Fabulous 40s event at Haden Hill House and Park in Cradley Heath will have a special VE Day 80 theme on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2025, with live music, costume characters, vintage vehicles, entertainment and much more. This free event will run from 12 noon to 4pm. No booking is required.
Find out more about how VE Day 80 is being celebrated nationally on the government's website.