VE Day 2025: Plenty of Union Flags and bunting as Hednesford celebrates 80 years since war ended

The celebrations on Thursday were also attended by 70 schoolchildren from the area and included a full programme of activities organised by the Hednesford branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association. 

Many people turned up in military wear and 1940 fashions, while other attractions included re-enactments, demonstrations, cakes, stalls, bands and a drum head service led by the association's band at the event set up in and around the town centre and in the grounds of  Our Lady of Lourdes Church off Uxbridge Street.

Guests included civic dignitaries as well as Staffordshire Deputy Lord Lt Simon Bell and representatives from the town's Royal British Legion branch. 

The association's secretary and events organiser Pauls Smith said: "It's been absolutely fabulous. The community has come out in force for the VE Day celebrations. We couldn't have asked for a better turnout.

"Up to 1,000 people came including 70 school pupils and many community group supported us. We are also very grateful to Hednesford Town Council for its support and for allocating a contribution towards the cost of putting on the event from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund(UKSPF)."

The 1st Hednesford Scout Group posted on Facebook: "Many community volunteer groups and the wonderful people of our town come together in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

"Massive thanks to those volunteers who have dressed the town. You are the unsung hero’s of Hednesford. A lot of planning and hard work goes into what you do and you should be applauded. We are overwhelmed to be offered the chance to attend to show our respects."