Test Valley Comes Together to Mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Communities across Test Valley are preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a host of commemorative events and celebrations, supported by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).
The council has awarded more than £21,900 in community grants to 52 local organisations, helping to fund street parties, afternoon teas, musical performances, and reflective services. These events will bring together residents of all ages to honour the sacrifices made during the Second World War and celebrate the peace and freedoms secured.
One of the centrepiece events will be a Church Service at St Mary’s Church, Andover, jointly organised by the Parish of Andover and TVBC. Taking place at 6pm on Thursday 8 May, the service will offer a moment of reflection, remembrance, and community spirit. The Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, Councillor Ian Jeffrey and Mrs Jeffrey, will be in attendance, along with Leader of the council, Councillor Phil North, the Deputy Mayor and Consort, Councillor Linda Lashbrook and Councillor Philip Lashbrook, members of the Andover Royal British Legion, and serving personnel from the Army Air Corps. The service is expected to last around an hour, followed by refreshments in the church.
Romsey will also be marking the 80th anniversary with a VE Day Celebration Concert at the Abbey United Reformed Church on Friday, 9 May, and Romsey Town Council organised a community VE Day event in Romsey Memorial Park on 4 May, supported by funding from TVBC.
Mayor of Test Valley and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Ian Jeffrey, said; “As Mayor and Armed Forces Champion, I am honoured to join the residents of Test Valley in marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. These events are a fitting tribute to those who served and to the families and communities who supported them on the home front. It is heartening to see so many people coming together to remember, reflect, and celebrate.”
Across the borough, flags will be flying to honour the anniversary and serve as a visual tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the wartime generation.
As part of the commemorations, TVBC also commissioned Andover-based illustrator Katt Grover to create a VE Day 80th Anniversary Activity Pack for children. On Saturday, 125 packs were handed out to local children at the Chantry Centre’s Indoor Market, and they are now available to download for free via the council’s website. The pack includes fun and educational activities about VE Day and even a bunting design widget to help young people join in the celebrations creatively.
Councillor Phil North, said: “VE Day is a time to reflect on the immense courage and sacrifice of those who secured peace in Europe, and to celebrate the spirit of unity that carried communities through wartime hardship.
“ We are proud to support residents across Test Valley as they come together to honour this historic milestone, whether through remembrance services, family gatherings, or creative activities that help the next generation understand the significance of this day.”
Councillors from across Test Valley will be attending local events to show their support and help mark this special occasion, recognising the tireless work of volunteers and community groups who have brought neighbours together in the true spirit of VE Day.
For more information on local events or to access the VE Day activity pack, please visit: www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/artsandculture/ve-day-80-activity-pack