Town plans street parties for WW2 anniversaries

Street parties are to be held in Boston to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

Boston Borough Council has received £10,000 in funding from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support events in the town.

The money will be used to buy flags for schoolchildren, bunting and a large flag for each parish council.

The authority said the events would provide an opportunity for people to come together, listen to stories, and reflect on the significance of the Allied victory.

VE Day was celebrated on 8 May 1945 when Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio the war in Europe had ended, after Germany's surrender the day before.

However, ferocious fighting continued in the Pacific between the Allies and Japan until 15 August when the allies celebrated VJ Day, although formal surrender documents were not signed until 2 September.

The government has announced a four-day celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day from Bank Holiday Monday 5 May to 8 May.

National events include a flypast, a concert and a service at Westminster Abbey.

This year's anniversaries have been billed as the last significant milestones that surviving WW2 veterans will be able to take part in themselves.

Dale Broughton, deputy leader of Boston Borough Council, said: "I look forward to seeing our town centre and local parishes decorated in brand new, vibrant bunting for the celebration of VE Day and VJ Day 80th anniversaries.

"We are very grateful to UKSPF, as this funding allows us to create a community atmosphere that honours the sacrifices of the wartime generation and brings people together in celebration."

The government says the UKSPF is a "central pillar" of its Levelling Up agenda, providing £2.6bn of funding for local places across the UK.

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