More live entertainment acts and historical exhibitions have been added to the line-up of activities for the Town Council’s a ‘grand celebration’ to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe).
Taking place in the town centre on Saturday 10th May from 9am to 2.30pm, the aim of the VE Day event is to recreate the elation and joy of the street parties that marked the original VE Day and end of World War Two in Europe on 8th May 1945, and to bring the community together in remembrance, reflection and celebration.
The event will feature a specialist market in Vicarage Field, selling locally sourced produce, gifts and accessories, as well as food stands and activity stalls.
The Royal British Legion Hailsham & District Branch and RAF cadets will have stalls at the event and Hailsham FM will also be attending.
Live entertainment has been arranged on the day, courtesy of music acts Miss Peggy Rose and The Jackettes. Local dance school Sjaan Dance Academy will be taking part, and an area will be created with seating in Vicarage Field for people to dance to 1940s-style music. Pupils from Grovelands Community Primary School’s choir club will also be providing entertainment.
There will be a classic vehicle display in the High Street and an exhibition of photos and wartime memorabilia in Vicarage Field, courtesy of the Hailsham Historical Society.
Hailsham Lions will be selling candy floss and be organising a ‘racing pigs’ game for visitors and Hailsham Parish Church will be open to welcome visitors into the church building between 11am and 1pm on the day.
“VE Day is a huge and momentous occasion in our country’s history, and Hailsham is proud to play its part in marking its 80th anniversary,” said Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook. “As the occasion is fast approaching, Hailsham Town Council would like to share with residents what we have planned so far for our special event being organised.”
“The VE Day 80th Anniversary is a significant milestone in our history, and it is an honour to be entrusted with creating such an important event that commemorates our history and community spirit. We look forward to working with project partners to organise a memorable celebration for all on 10th May.”
Further details concerning the entertainment line-up and activities will be announced soon.
Event organisers are looking for guest speakers to give a brief talk on Hailsham FM (either live at the event or pre-recorded) about their shared VE Day experiences. For further details, please email kaylee.butcher@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
The Royal British Legion is encouraging the raising of VE Day flags at 9am on Thursday 8th May and, where possible, the hosting parties of celebration throughout the day in the streets, at home, in gardens, churches, villages, town halls and pubs throughout the country.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk