Council waives fees for VE Day 80th anniversary street parties

A council has waived the usual fee for road closures so residents can host street parties to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

Wandsworth council is encouraging residents to apply to close their road for free and to bring friends, family, and neighbours together for street parties to celebrate the day that World War II officially ended in Europe.

The local authority will waive the usual fees for road closures from May 3 to 5, but applications must be received by April 6.

Sana Jafri, Mayor of Wandsworth, said: “It is always wonderful to see national celebrations such as these, which bring people together up and down the country, embraced across Wandsworth.

“We are delighted to be waiving street party fees once again to encourage local communities to host a street party for their neighbours, families and friends to share food, get to know each other better and remember the heroes behind the historic 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

“The buzz of these events is electric so I’m looking forward to attending many over the Early May Bank Holiday!”

Wandsworth council previously waived fees for street closures to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation. 

Residents successfully organised 144 street parties across the borough in a joyful display of fun, festivity and the borough’s infectious community spirit.

Residents can apply to host a street party here and learn more about the national VE Day 80 celebrations here.

Pictured top: VE day celebrations in Wandsworth, 1985 (Picture: Mr Alfred Henry Rickard, via Wandsworth Heritage Service)