VE Day 80th Anniversary

A Shared Moment of Celebration
Thursday 8th May, 2025 

West Horsley Parish Council is organising two free community events to mark this special day. We hope you will join us.

1940s Jazz Night & Beacon Lighting

7-9.30pm at West Horsley Place

THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ALL AGES 

The main VE Day 80 celebration will take place in the stunning grounds of West Horsley Place. There will be music, dance, vintage jeeps, food, drink and games. This is an outdoor event so please dress appropriately for the weather and uneven grass surfaces. There is free parking on site but we encourage you to walk.

MUSIC & DANCE: Throughout the evening there will be live music performed by The Sarah Jane Eveleigh Jazz Quartet, and a series of free 1940s SWINGDYHOP dance workshops which you can sign up for at TicketSource.

JEEPS & GAMES: Climb aboard one of our WWII jeeps for a family photo opportunity and enjoy some traditional games in the recently opened Sensory Garden.

PICNICS, FOOD & DRINK: We invite you to find a picnic spot in the beautiful Rose Garden, and tuck into some of the locally produced food and drink that will be on offer. Enjoy some traditional fayre from Howes Fish & Chips, artisan sausages and burgers from Rupert St. Catering, and ice cream from Gray’s Gelato. Wash it down with a hot cup of English tea from Tigerlily Bus Company, a Gin & Tonic from Silent Pool, a chilled bottle of ale, lager or a soft drink from The King William IV tent, or a glass of sparkling wine from the Parish Council's pop-up bar.

BEACON LIGHTING: Towards the end of the evening we will assemble in front of the Manor House and join communities across the UK in a ‘Moment of Shared Celebration’. We will hear the VE Day 80 Proclamation and a rousing performance by Horsley Choral Society, after which we will light our beacon. Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mary Cresswell will do the honours.


VE Day 80 Morning Coffee

10.30am-12pm at West Horsley Village Hall

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. PLEASE ADD YOUR DETAILS TO THE WAITING LIST VIA THE BOX OFFICE WEBSITE.

Join us for coffee, cake and a chat. We will read the VE Day 80 Proclamation, watch some black and white news reel showing the celebrations in 1945, and welcome local historian June Davey to hear more of her fabulous anecdotes about life in West Horsley towards the end of the war.

To book your free VE Day Morning Coffee tickets please visit our online box office at TicketSource.
Early booking is recommended. There is likely to be a waiting list for this event so if you change your mind please let us know at clerk@westhorsley.info.
www.ticketsource.co.uk/westhorsleypc

West Horsley Parish Council is looking for volunteers to assist during the evening event. If you are interested, please email clerk@westhorsley.info.

There will be a free drink waiting for all volunteers at the WHPC pop-up bar.

Thank you to Wills & Smerdon for supporting our event.

Providing the Music, Dance, Food & Drinks.....