On 8 May, 1945, millions of people across the UK shared an unprecedented moment of relief and euphoria that the Second World War in Europe was over.
Service men and women were coming home; families no longer needed to live in fear and young evacuees could return from the countryside where they had been sent for their protection. Britain could finally catch its breath, and start to think about how it would rebuild.
The Government has announced plans to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day - the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied Forces - over the weekend of 8 to 10 May, 2015.
It is encouraging residents to take part in the national 2 minute silence at 3pm on Friday 8 May, hold celebrations on the evening of Saturday 9 May when a special VE concert will be broadcast by the BBC, and organise picnics and street parties on the afternoon of Sunday 10 May.
People in Wolverhampton can also support the VE commemorations by taking part in the Royal British Legion's annual VE Day service, which will be held at the cenotaph, St Peter's Square, on Friday 8 May. Veterans will join civic dignitaries and members of the public at the ceremony, starting at 11.30am.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Mike Heap, said: "Many people in Wolverhampton will still remember that momentous day in 1945 when the war in Europe, which had raged for more than 5 years, finally came to an end.
"It is important that we commemorate this turning point in our nation's history, and I am sure Wolverhampton will want to mark the sacrifices of previous generations by holding street parties - as they did in 1945 - or mark the occasion in other ways."
People can find out more about events taking place in Wolverhampton to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day, and get advice about organising their own commemoration, by visiting Type=articles;Articleid=6533;Title=VE Day 70th Anniversary;.
- released: Wednesday 25 March, 2015