Staffordshire libraries to host events for VE Day 80th anniversary

Victory in Europe Day on Thursday, May 8, marks 80 years since the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, a moment of relief and celebration across Britain and Allied nations.

To mark the event, visitors can enjoy historic talks, crafts and creative writing sessions, exhibits and even a flypast by a Lancaster bomber.

At Cannock library on Wednesday, April 30, ‘A Family at War’ is a free talk about WWII and VE Day by Andrew Lound.  

The talk will run from 2pm to 4pm and tells the story of the Waite family and their experiences during the war, in the Home Guard, the Army, the RAF and the Royal Navy.

Visitors to Perton library on Saturday, May 10 can see a flypast of Lancaster B1 PA474.  

The bomber, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, is one of the only two remaining airworthy Lancaster Bombers out of the 7,377 that were built. The flypast is due around 1.30pm.

Sue Ball, libraries and arts manager at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s great that our libraries are joining in the celebrations, with a whole host of family activities and entertainment.

“This is a significant anniversary that marks the end of World War II in Europe and an opportunity to remember the courage of those who fought and died for our freedom. I do hope people are able to visit their local library and join in the celebrations.”

At Stone Library on Thursday, May 8 at 2.30pm, people can join the ‘Make Do and Mend’ talk from Kath Reynolds.  

She will be delivering a talk on life during the Second World War, including a discussion on eating chitterlings, pigs’ trotters, tripe, and even how to use a bit of beetroot to enhance lipstick. The event is free but booking is required.

People are being invited to share photos of their celebrations on the VE and VJ Day webpage and across social media using the #VE80 hashtag.

Further details are available on the libraries plans for VE Day celebrations webpage or on their social media pages.