Credit: Stephen Craven Commons
The 80th anniversary of victory in Europe (VE Day) was marked by a special event in Birstall, West Yorkshire, transforming the normally quiet town centre with live music and colourful decorations. The market was filled with families from around the local area who came to enjoy the food, fun and festivities organised by the Birstall Chamber of Trade to celebrate the ending of World War Two, 80 years ago. Birstall joined several communities in holding street parties to celebrate this historic anniversary.
Dean Worsnop, the vice chairman of the Birstall Chamber of Trade, said, “The aim of the celebration was to get the community to come together and recognise the sacrifices that were made 80 years ago and beyond. All the shops here are paying members of the Birstall Chamber of Trade. A group of 12 of us actively put our hands up to help trim the village up and put these events forward.”
Nettie, known through her business as ‘The Cake Lady’ was also present on this VE day celebration selling treats to the public. She mentioned,“I sell jam cakes and brownies every Thursday here in Birstall in order to support the town.”
When asked if there are any future events planned linked to VE day, Worsnop said, “Two years ago we had a coronation, we did the King’s funeral, as well as the King’s birthday. This year, hopefully for the first time we’re going to try and organise something for Halloween.”
He also spoke about general events hosted by the Birstall chamber of trade, saying, “Every year, we always have a Christmas light switch on – but this year we’re also doing a music festival on the 5th of July. It’ll be bigger scale than this VE day event with fairground rides, singers up on a stage and a barbecue. We’ll raise lots of funds for Christmas.”
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