Residents in Wolverhampton are being invited to join together in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day – VE/VJ Day 80 - with a street party or community event next month.

The City of Wolverhampton Council has waived its usual road closure fee to enable residents to connect and mark this historic occasion between 3 May and 11 May, 2025.

People can apply for a free road closure online by Sunday 27 April at https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licences/street-parties.

Residents are also encouraged to explore other ways to mark this occasion, including neighbourhood celebrations, connecting with neighbours in driveways, front gardens, or shared parking areas.

Tips for a successful community event:

•                Start with a chat - talk to your neighbours and plan together

•                Fun for everyone - organise quizzes, games, and a shared food table

•                Planning resources - find free ideas and support at www.streetparty.org.uk

•                Kid-friendly fun - create a "play street" with resources from Playing Out for safe and engaging activities, available at www.playingout.net.

•                Eat together - get everyone involved using free resources from the Big Lunch at www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch.

Cllr Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: "VE/VJ Day 80 is a powerful reminder of our shared history and the enduring spirit of community.

"We want to see Wolverhampton come alive with celebrations, from intimate neighbourhood gatherings to grand street parties. By waiving road closure fees, we're making it easier than ever for residents to honour this significant anniversary together. Let's create lasting memories and pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much."

This year's celebrations honour the momentous announcement made by Prime Minister Winston Churchill at 3pm on 8 May, 1945, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe after nearly six years of brutal conflict. 2025 will also mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August, 1945, which signified the Allies’ defeat of Japan.

For more details of the celebrations, visit the VE/VJ Day 80 website at https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/.