Coalville & District Veterans Association and The Coalville & District Bikers have joined together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this weekend.

This year the nation will be holding events up and down the country, and indeed across the world, to celebrate this most memorable of days. 

There will be a VE Day 80 Show on Saturday (May 3) at 7pm at the Hugglescote Social Club (The Hawley).

Suzanne and Her Entertainers will be offering renditions of songs of the time, fun and laughter. 

The evening will culminate with a rousing, flag waving, patriotic finale with songs such as Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and We'll Meet Again.

Fancy dress is encouraged but optional. 

This event will be free to those attending, but there will be a raffle to help with costs. Anyone who has a raffle prize to donate can do so on the night or get in touch with the Veterans Association by emailing [email protected].

Other events taking place in and around Coalville and Whitwick are:

Thursday, May 8 – 8.45am – There will be the reading of the VE Day 80 Proclamation at The Clocktower and simultaneously at the Whitwick War Memorial.

In the evening of the 8th at 6.45pm there will be a church service at St John The Baptist Church, Whitwickm followed by a family event, parade and Beacon Lighting by the Whitwick Scouts commencing at 7.30pm. 

The parade will be from The City of Dan Wheel on Leicester Road to the Scout hut at 8.30pm followed by the Beacon lighting at 9.30pm.

On Sunday, May 11, there will also be a service of thanks at The Clocktower Memorial, commencing at 10.30am. All are welcome to attend