VE Day 80 is coming up at the beginning of next month, and Manchester is set to commemorate it with a full day of celebrations.
Victory in Europe (VE Day) – which takes place on 8 May each year, and marks the Allied victory in Europe – resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war in 1945, with street parties, dancing and singing all across the country.
And now, 80 years later, similar events and celebrations are set to take place across the UK.
As well as the planned commemorations set to take place over four days at the start of May that were already previously announced by the Government early last month, Manchester will too be paying tribute to the ‘courage, determination, and sacrifices’ made throughout the conflict with its own set of local events.
Celebrate VE Day 80 by hosting a street party for your community.
Apply for a free road closure for your street on Monday 5 May 2025.
The deadline to apply is 5pm on Saturday 12 April 2025.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 4, 2025
Street parties were a common sight back in 1945, where communities came out in force to share the collective joy that the war was over, and now, 80 years on, Manchester City Council is encouraging the people of Manchester to do the same.
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Councillors want locals get the bunting out, bake a Victoria sponge, and celebrate with a street party of their own.
To help facilitate this, during the bank holiday on Monday 5 May, the usual £159 fee for a street closure will be waived by the Council – with a dedicated web page set up to manage people’s applications.
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Manchester is marking VE Day 80 with a full day of ‘meaningful’ celebrations next month / Credit: Jason Garcia (via Flickr) | Becky Fantham (via Unsplash)
All street party applications need to be made by 5pm on 12 April.
On top of these local community events, a range of civic events will also be taking place too, with a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor welcoming veterans and dignitaries to Central Library, as well as an evensong at Manchester Cathedral, followed by a celebratory ringing of the bells.
Residents, businesses, and local education establishments are also encouraged to create pieces of art to hang in their windows, make their own unique commemorative bunting, and so much more to show their appreciation.
“The 80th anniversary of VE Day provides us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect on the immense sacrifices which were made to ensure that tyranny in Europe was ultimately defeated,” commented Councillor Bev Craig, who is the leader of Manchester City Council.
“As the decades go on, and the Second World War moves further from living memory, it makes it more important than ever that younger generations learn the lessons of history and keep alive the spirit of those who served our country.
“I am immensely proud to lead the Council during such a meaningful occasion and I would invite all Mancunians to join me in celebration of VE Day 80 this May.”
Featured Image – Travis Leery (via Unsplash)
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AO Arena announces ‘In Conversation’ event with Luke Una
Thomas Melia
Much loved DJ and musical artist Luke Una is the latest act appearing at the AO Arena as part of their ‘In Conversation’ event taking place in Manchester later this year.
Luke Cowdrey, known more commonly under the name Luke Una, makes up one half of the unforgettable DJ duo, The Unabombers, who were widely respected in the Manchester club scene.
Known for his involvement in pivotal club movements like Homobloc and E Soul Cultura, he certainly knows how to live it large.
Una’s music helped define the underground scene in Manchester during the 1980s and 90s alongside The Unabombers bandmate, Justin Crawford.
The two were known for producing music in the Northern Sulphuric Soul genre and even ran a legendary club night titled ‘Electric Chair’.
Their music tended to blend lots of different sounds from across the globe, including Latin, hip-hop, disco, house and more.
Now, Una is ditching the decks for a mellower event focused all around his music, where he will be sharing stories that have taken place over the course of his expansive four-decade-long career.
All the talks taking place at AO Arena will be hosted by none other than BBC 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins known for his work regularly hosting an early morning radio show and also documentaries too.
Una isn’t the only guest who will be talking all things career and Northern music, The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess is also taking part in the AO Arena’s newest talk series ‘Live And In Conversation’ set to take place this month.
The adored DJ is taking to the incredible Manchester venue on 18 May from 6pm to 10:30pm, giving guests plenty of opportunities to learn all about his artistry and skill.
Luke Una is sitting down with Chris Hawkins for AO Arena’s ‘Live And In Conversation’ series, with tickets going on sale HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)
What's On
Calum Scott announces HUGE gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter and talent show contestant Calum Scott has announced a huge gig in Manchester later this year.
Known for his impeccable cover of the Robyn hit ‘Dancing On My Own’, which earned him a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell, Scott has been dropping some real tunes since starring on our TV screens.
His biggest hit, despite not being an original of his own, went on to secure the Scottish star a BRIT Awards nomination, but his debut album Only Human (2018) and his track ‘You Are the Reason’ earned both gold and platinum certifications in 21 countries.
This Britain’s Got Talent star has been praising past musical acts long before his Robyn cover, even forming a Maroon 5 tribute, Maroon 4 in 2014, the year before he achieved stardom.
Calum Scott worked with highly acclaimed producer Jax Jones on his unofficial Love Island anthem, ‘Whistle’, which he even performed in the villa back in 2023.
This collaboration gained the pair a top 20 hit and a gold certified hit, selling over 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom alone.
Anyone who asks me ‘Where Are You Now’ on 12 September will find me front row at AO Arena ready to watch this super Scottish singer.
Manchester will be his first UK stop on the tour, where he’ll also be playing in London at OVO Arena Wembley on 21 September.
Credit: Supplied
Now, Scott returns with his newest album, The Avenoir, which sees the singer pictured rowing into a peaceful and calming water-meets-the-sky background.
Currently, five singles have been released from this album, including ‘Roots’, ‘Lighthouse’ and the latest drop ‘God Knows’.
With the album set to reach our ears in September, fans will have just over a month to practice all their words and be prepared to sing their hearts out.
Calum Scott is bringing ‘The Avenoir Tour’ to AO Arena in Manchester on 12 September, with tickets on sale from this Friday, 11 April.
Emily Sergeant -
7th April 2025 
