Plans for VE Day Anniversary Are Underway

Plans for commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day are underway by Henley Town Council with the help from members of the Events Committee and the Henley Archaeological and Historical Group and will include a special school event, a Big Band Dance plus a commemoration parade, military vehicles, talks at the River & Rowing Museum and guided history walks.

The three-day commemoration will be from 8-10 May 2025 starting on Thursday 8 May with an educational school talk for Year 6 pupils from Henley schools in the Town Hall followed by a fish and chip lunch provided by the Over 60s Club chef.  Councillor Gill Dodds said, “The children will learn about the 700 evacuees that came to stay in Henley, they’ll hear an evacuee letter read out by one of the pupils and what it was like in WW2 in Henley.”

On Friday 9 May there will be a Big Band Dance with a 16-piece Swing Band with Lindy Hop jive dance teachers and a themed bar.  Tickets will go on sale soon and all money raised will go to charity military organisations.

Market Place on Saturday 10 May will see parades. a large replica spitfire and military vehicles and there will be special talks hosted at the River & Rowing Museum followed by guided historical walks around town by members of the Henley Archaeological and Historical Group.  A Battle of Britain fly past has also been requested for this day.

Councillor Dodds added, “After watching the Holocaust memorial services, it brings home how important it is to remember the past.  This VE Day anniversary will be the last big commemoration when people who lived through the wars will be alive.”