Wales marks 80th anniversary of end of World War Two

Street parties to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe have been taking place across Wales, with one organiser saying the events are “more important than ever”.

VE Day events on the Bank Holiday Monday recall the huge crowds of people who took to the streets on 8 May 1945 to sing, dance and rejoice after nearly six years of war.

More than 15,000 Welsh soldiers died during World War Two.

They were remembered at a veteran’s hub in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, where military hardware was on display with live music and stalls.

“I think it’s more important than ever, at the moment [to mark VE Day],” said hub director Naomi Horlock.

“To think about modern day conflicts and why it’s so important to be kind to each other.

“That’s what this is all about. It’s about having some fun and remembering.”

A poppy cascade made from 1,000 individual flowers knitted by the Steel Magnolias Women’s Institute is also on display.

Audrey Anthony from the group said the finished result was “absolutely fantastic”.

Among the VE Day parties taking place up and down the UK, the Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall in Pontypool, Torfaen, is hosting a Great Victory Bake off, a Knit for Victory event and a costume competition.

Councils are hosting events and some have waived their usual road closure fee, while pubs in Wales and England will stay open late on Thursday to allow customers to raise a glass in their local until 01:00 BST.

• 11:00-17:00 picnic in Cardiff Castle with music, walkabout entertainers, circus and puppet shows and children’s crafts
• 12:00-15:00 street party in Powys in Llanfyllin town square with 1940s fancy dress and a singalong
• 12:00-1500 street party at Pill Millennium Community Centre in Newport
• 10:30-16:30 Connah’s Quay veterans and community hub will host music, and vintage military vehicles
• 14:00 Amroth Parish Hall in Pembrokeshire will have wartime memorabilia

Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender.

At 15:00, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany’s surrender the day before, sparking spontaneous celebrations across the country.

To read about what’s happening across the BBC to mark VE Day, click here.