Ashford residents urged to apply for VE Day road closure permits before March 22

Ashford residents are reminded to submit their applications for Victory in Europe (VE) Day road closure permits by the fast-approaching deadline of March 22.

VE Day, on May 8, marks the end of the Second World War and years of devastating conflict across the continent. While not an official bank holiday, the day is a significant occasion for communities to come together and commemorate this historic moment.

Many local celebrations, including street parties, are encouraged as part of the national festivities – especially as this year is the 80th anniversary.

To host a street party, organisers must apply for a road closure permit through Kent County Council. The deadline for submitting these applications is March 22.

To apply, visit the Kent County Council VE Day Street Party webpage and complete the necessary details.

Call for public event organisers

Ashford Borough Council would also like to hear from organisers of public events within the borough to help advertise them on the official Ashford Borough Council website.

If you are planning an event to mark VE Day 80, please get in touch with us so we can share the details with the wider community by completing our VE Day 80 Community Event Form.

Ashford’s VE Day 80 celebrations

As part of Ashford’s VE Day 80 commemorations, several events will take place. At 9am on May 8, the Mayor of Ashford will lead a short service outside the Civic Centre on Tannery Lane, including the raising of a special VE Day 80 flag. At 9:30pm, the Mayor will light the Civic Memorial Beacon in Civic Park, Tannery Lane.

On May 10, the Mayor will host a Charity Ball at the Ashford International Hotel, featuring a two-course meal and dancing to ‘The Big Sound Collective.’

“VE Day is a huge cause for celebration and we hope to see as many of our residents enjoying the festivities,” Cllr Heather Hayward, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, said. “We have a lot planned as a council and we are looking forward to working with many public event organisers to celebrate VE Day as best we can.”

For more information visit the Ashford Borough Council VE Day 80 webpage and to purchase tickets to the Mayor’s Charity Ball, contact Louise Aistrup at louise.aistrup@ashford.gov.uk or call 01233 330317.

National Celebrations for VE Day 80

In addition to local events, the UK Government has unveiled plans to mark VE Day 80, including a special Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, a service at Westminster Abbey, a concert and a Flypast.

For more information about VE Day 80 and how to get involved, visit the national VE Day 80 website. For national events, visit the Government’s VE Day webpage.