On 4 March, the Government announced plans for national and local commemoration of the 80^th anniversary of VE and VJ days, which will take place around the early May bank holiday. You may find this information helpful, should you be asked for details by those in your local communities:

1. Monday 5 May [bank holiday]—
   1. the Cenotaph will be dressed in Union Flags,
   2. there will be a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast,
   3. a street party on HMS Belfast, and
   4. “street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch”.
2. Tuesday 6 May—
   1. installation of poppies at the Tower of London, and
   2. historical landmarks will be illuminated.
3. Wednesday 7 May—
   1. Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster.
4. Thursday 8 May—
   1. Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, and
   2. celebratory concert on Horseguards Parade.

In addition, to mark the 80^th anniversary of VJ Day, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 15 August.

Full information on the programme of events can be found here. A dedicated website listing local events can be found here.

Kind regards,

Mrs Julia Knight

Lieutenancy Officer

County Hall

Taunton

Somerset   TA1 4DY

Tel:  01823 355509

Mobile: 07540 228 262