People and communities
VJ Day 80 commemorations taking place in Walsall
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The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), which marked the end of the Second World War, takes place on Friday 15 August 2025 and Walsall Council is helping local communities come together to celebrate, remember and reflect.
While VE Day on 8 May 1945 meant victory in Europe, the war continued against Japanese forces. Japan’s surrender following the dropping of two atomic bombs - one in Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 and the other three days later on Nagasaki - brought an end to six years of war.
To help residents commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, Walsall Council in partnership with Walsall Community Network has given small grants to communities across the borough for activities such as street parties, family activities and gatherings in community buildings.
“ VJ Day reminds us of the immense sacrifice, endurance and courage of our armed forces personnel and we pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War.
I encourage all residents to participate in the national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August at 12 noon and I look forward to meeting many of you at the various local activities and gatherings taking place to mark this historic anniversary. “
“ VJ Day is a time of reflection, remembrance and education and we want to ensure that the legacy of VJ Day continues to be recognised by future generations.
This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, serving as a testament to our nation’s resilience and courage. It’s a moment to express gratitude to the surviving veterans, and to honour and pay tribute to those whose sacrifices made peace possible. “
A flag will be raised outside the Council House in Walsall throughout Friday 15 August 2025 and a number of activities and events are taking place across the borough.
For more information on VJ Day 80 events, visit: https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/events/remembrance-events/vj-day
For Government advice on organising a street party, visit: Your guide to organising a street party - GOV.UK
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Notes to editors
Community events funded or partly funded by Walsall Council include:
Saturday 9 August 2025, 12 noon to 5.30pm.
Aldridge Royal British Legion - VJ Day 80 Gathering - BBQ and fun day; minute silence to be observed.
Outside/opposite The Turtles Head, 14 Croft Parade, Aldridge, WS9 8LY.
Open to all; free.
Tuesday 12 August 2025, 11am to 2pm.
Aaina Community Hub - VJ Day 2025 - garden party with stalls and 1940s theme food.
Palfrey & Caldmore Senior Citizens Club, Palfrey Park, WS1 4AF.
Open to all; free.
Tuesday 12 August 2025, 1pm to 2pm.
Bloxwich Community Partnership - Singalong Show featuring ‘songs that won the war’ by the Fun Time Theatre - food/drinks available and 1940s style attire welcome.
Stan Ball Centre, Abbotts Street, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 3AZ.
Booking required; free to service users.
Wednesday 13 August 2025, 11am to 1pm.
Brownhills Community Association - Friendship Group and VJ Day.
Chester Road North, Brownhills, WS8 7JS.
Booking required; free (numbers limited to 30).
Wednesday 13 August 2025, 11am to 2pm.
Holy Ascension Community Church - VJ 80 Celebration Party - music, talking and dancing.
Sanstone Road, Little Bloxwich, WS3 3SJ.
Open to all.
Wednesday 13 August 2025, 11am to 2pm.
Moxley People’s Centre - VJ 80 Years of Remembrance - singer and audience participation in singing of war time songs.
3 Queen Street, Moxley, WS10 8TA.
Booking required.
Wednesday 13 August 2025, 12 noon to 3pm.
Walsall Community Association - VJ Day Luncheon with presentation, moment of reflection and lighting of candle.
36 Wolverhampton Road, Walsall, WS2 8PR.
£12 per ticket.
Wednesday 13 August 2025, 1pm to 4pm.
Collingwood Centre - Two-course lunch with 1940s entertainment - 1940s style attire welcome.
Collingwood Drive, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 7NF.
Booking required; £10 per ticket.
Thursday 14 August 2025, 10am to 2.30pm.
Black Sisters Collective - VJ Day Windrush Celebration event.
17-19 Wednesbury Road, Walsall, WS1 3RU.
Open to all.
Thursday 14 August 2025, 10am to 2pm.
Revive Café - Celebrating Peace 80 - remembering and celebrating peace by providing activities which promote education, unity, diversity, inclusion.
St John’s Methodist Church, Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 3HS.
Open to all; free.
Thursday 14 August 2025, from 11am.
Darlaston All Active - VJ Day Celebration - cenotaph at 11am following by celebration in the Town Hall with entertainment and bingo.
Darlaston Town Hall, Victoria Road, Darlaston, WS10 8AA.
£10 per ticket (numbers limited to 120).
Thursday 14 August 2025, 11am to 2pm.
Midlands Langar Seva Society (MLSS) - Community Teatime for Remembrance.
501 Bloxwich Road, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 2XA.
Over 60s ladies group - prebook.
Thursday 14 August 2025, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Willenhall Chart - VJ Day Celebration Evening - community party and singalong with refreshments.
19 Gomer Street, Willenhall, WV13 2NS.
Open to all (numbers limited to 70); free.
Friday 15 August 2025, 11am to 2pm.
Walsall Community Transport - Let’s Chat Project - Let’s Chat Tea Party including presentation and music.
St Paul’s Bus Station, St Paul’s Street, Walsall, WS1 1NR.
Open to all; free.
Friday 15 August 2025, 12 noon to 3pm.
Manor Farm Community Association - VJ Day 80th Anniversary Celebration - themed music and snacks; shrub to be planted in the garden for peace and remembrance.
King George Crescent, Rushall, Walsall, WS4 1EU.
All welcome but please prebook in advance.
Friday 15 August 2025, 1pm to 3pm.
Bloxwich Hub - VJ Day Celebration Lunch - entertainment and refreshments, Fun Time Theatre (war time songs).
The Local Hub, 88 Sneyd Lane, Bloxwich, WS3 2NA.
Open to all but need to prebook; no charge to residents.
Friday 15 August 2025, 8pm to 11pm.
Aldridge Rotary Club - VJ Day 80 Commemoration - lighting of beacon, bugle, minute silence and ode to remembrance.
Aldridge Social Club Corner, High Street, Aldridge, WS9 8NL.
£2 for linked musical event at the social club.
Saturday 16 August 2025, 9am to 5pm.
Short Heath Lest We Forget - VJ Sponsored Walk.
Short Heath British Legion, Church Road, Short Heath, WV12 5PT.
Open to all; free.
Saturday 16 August 2025, 12 noon to 4pm.
Birchills Agenda 21 - VJ Day Celebration - community BBQ.
Reedswood, Sons of Rest, Talbot House, Bentley Lane, WS2 8SP.
Open to all.
Saturday 30 August 2025, 9.30am to 3pm.
Preservation of Pelsall Remembrance Service - VJ Day Street Celebration; street party.
Pelsall Village, Co-Op and Memorial Garden.
Open to all; free.
