Whitwick residents turned out in their hundreds to join in the VE Day 80^th anniversary celebrations last Thursday.

Locals joined with Whitwick Parish Council and Whitwick Scout Group in remembering those who had fought in the War and the joy of Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

Hundreds of people turned out for the event in Whitwick. Photo: Whitwick Parish Council

Whitwick children had helped decorate the village by colouring in bunting - and the weather had stayed dry for the occasion.

At 6.30pm, three military vehicles paraded around the village, stopping at the local pubs and outside the care home for elderly residents.

A service was held at St John the Baptist Church, attended by parishioners and Scouts from across the Ashby and Coalville district. 

Singer Eleanor Mattley kept the crowds entertained with Wartime songs. Photo: Coalville Nub News

The community lined the streets at The City of Dan for photos with the vehicles, children and adults alike enjoying the 1940s style family fun games such as Splat the Rat, Skittles, Hopscotch, Ring Toss - and even a few brave people volunteering for a soaking in the stocks.

The 80p portions of chips went down well, and the queues were out of the door at The Three Horseshoes 'Pollys' pub, with the ice cream van and coffee van also doing a roaring trade all night. 

The amazing singer, Eleanor Mattley, kept the crowds entertained, as did the band warming up for the parade. 

All the scout troops and military personnel assembled with a flame-lit procession to the Scout Hut for the proclamation and beacon lighting, followed by the fireworks display to end the evening with a bang. 

The Parish Council says it was an amazing event 'that brought the community together and it was fantastic to see Whitwick at its best'.

The council thanked the Whitwick Scout Group and volunteers, Parish Council Staff and Ashford Explorers for their huge dedication.

Photo: Whitwick Parish Council

It also thanked residents for their fantastic support and our partners MVT Charnwood, Loughborough Land Rover Club, Whitwick Fryer, Pollys Pub, Aussie Barista, Jinder Singh, Eleanor Mattley, Katie Thompson, members of the Royal British Legion, The Coalville and District Veterans Association, Reverend Darren Walker, Seaforth Highlanders, Ibstock Brick Brass Band, all the Scouts and Explorers, JR Landscaping, LCC Highways and Events team, NWLDC Street Cleansing and Community Focus teams, all the children, schools and community groups, and the fabulous Sue and Janet for the post box topper.