Oxfordshire street parties and torch processions to mark VE Day
On VE Day, 8 May, Abingdon will begin commemorations with the town crier's proclamation from the County Hall roof at 09:00 BST. Banbury Town Council promises a "true street party experience" in the town hall with live music, stories and military vehicles on display.Bells will be run at churches in Bicester, Thame and Witney in the early evening, while beacon-lighting ceremonies take place in Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.In Oxford, the union flag will fly over the Town Hall and bells will peal at Carfax Tower.In Rose Hill, the Social Club will celebrate with an evening of music and Aunt Sally games, a traditional English pub game where players throw batons at a wooden skittle or "doll" placed on top of a post.
On Saturday 10 May, Woodstock will host a "a street party with living history", Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum displays, military vehicles and live 1940s-style music.A rally of MG cars will take place in Abingdon Market Place on Sunday 11 May and an exhibition of the role the car factory played in the war effort.The streets of Wantage will come alive for a vintage party, where people are invited to come dressed in their "finest 1940s attire" for a fancy dress competition. Mike Rowley, Lord Mayor of Oxford, said the anniversary was "an important opportunity for us to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation"."VE Day is a defining moment in our history and this may be one of the last opportunities we have to thank the surviving veterans, so we should celebrate them in style."By waiving the road closure charge for small street parties, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part."
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