Wandsworth awash with street parties to celebrate VE Day

Wandsworth residents showed up in force during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

With more than 58 street parties spread throughout the borough, communities came together to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe.

Bunting and British flags hung above banquets of biscuits, cakes, cups of tea and drinks on pop up tables.

Mayor of Wandsworth, Sana Jafri, joined in with the fun, taking part in a number of street parties. 

She said: “It was amazing to see so many local communities 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.” 

Ahead of the celebrations, Wandsworth council waived street closure fees to encourage as many residents as possible to take part in the momentous event.

The local authorities’ VE Day 80 Grant Fund added an extra boost to help support a range of events in the area.  

Wandsworth Town Hall was also lit up in red, white and blue on Tuesday to mark the date, and hoisted a Union Jack flag above the building.

A Wandsworth council spokesman said: “VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.”

This year, VE Day celebrations were spread across four days, from May 5 to 8, in tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War.

Elsewhere across the capital, the Cenotaph was draped in union flags, about 30,000 ceramic poppies were installed at the Tower of London and a military procession marched from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace followed by a flypast including the Red Arrows.

Despite the celebrations coming to a close, Wandsworth council has set up an online page for residents to explore stories from those who experienced the Second World War.

From the first-hand experiences of a female gunner who helped defend the nation against airborne attacks after her brother’s death at Dunkirk, to memories of VE Day celebrations from a military veteran, the website will highlight the era’s history from those who were there.  

To find out more, visit: https://wandsworth.gov.uk/ww2-stories

 Pictured top: Wandsworth residents with Mayor of Wandsworth, Sana Jafri, at a street party on Monday (Picture: Wandsworth council)