As Beverley, Hull and the East Riding mark 80 years since Victory in Europe, communities are rolling out commemorative events large and small. Whether you’re after quiet reflection or a full-blown street party, here’s everything happening locally—timed, listed, and linked. Please check with individual venues before travelling.
Beverley
BBC Radio 2 Live with Vernon Kay
- Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm
- Location: Beverley Memorial Hall, 73-75 Lairgate, HU17 8HN
- Details: Vernon Kay broadcasts his Radio 2 morning show live from Beverley. Expect interviews, live music and VE Day features.
- Link: BBC Event Info
Coronation Gardens Evening Commemoration
- Time: 6:00pm
- Location: Coronation Gardens, Beverley
- Details: Includes the official VE Day proclamation, words of thanksgiving and the lighting of a commemorative beacon. Attendees will receive electronic tealights.
- Link: Beverley Town Council
Hull
Royal British Legion Service
- Time: 11:00am
- Location: Cenotaph, Paragon Square
- Details: A formal memorial service led by the Legion, with wreath-laying and veterans in attendance.
- Link: More Info
Bransholme Chat Street Party
- Time: From midday (exact time TBC)
- Location: North Point Shopping Centre
- Details: 1940s-themed party with food, music, games and entertainment. Organised by Back to Ours.
Cottingham
Full-Day Commemoration Trail
- Time: From 9:00am
- Location: Various venues
- Events include:
- Flag-raising and proclamation at Market Green
- WWII exhibitions at Cottingham Civic Hall and Library
- Service of thanksgiving at St Mary’s Church, 11:00am
- Bell ringing at 6:30pm
- Themed market and info stands by Hull 4 Heroes, RBL, and the Yorkshire Regiment
- Link: Cottingham Mumbler Events
Driffield
Town Centre Commemorations
- Time: 9:00am – 9:30pm
- Location: Various central locations
- Details:
- Town crier proclamation under the town clock
- WWII memorabilia display and free refreshments at The Butcher’s Dog
- Evening event at All Saints’ Church from 8:45pm
- Link: Driffield Events
Woodmansey * Recommended
Beacon Lighting
- Time: 7:00pm
- Location: Woodmansey Village Hall
- Details: Traditional beacon lighting ceremony to close the day.
- Link: Eventbrite – Woodmansey
Burton Constable Hall
VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration Evening
- Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
- Details: Live performance by the Vintage Vocalist followed by the lighting of 80 symbolic beacons. Tickets required.
- Link: Burton Constable VE Day