A SPECIAL party is set to bring the community of Fordingbridge together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

Fordingbridge Town Council and Fordingbridge Events Group is hosting the free event on Friday, May 8 on the recreation ground.

It will run from 2pm until 11pm.

Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the Second World War in Europe after the surrender of Germany in 1945.

On the day, there will also be an official toast at 3pm to commemorate those who lost their lives during the conflict.

And just before 7pm a short reading of A Cry For Peace Around The World will take place prior to the bells of St Mary’s Church being rung.

Councillor Pete White said: “It will be fun for everybody and will be a party for the community.”

Members of the public are invited to bring along their own picnic on the day and enjoy the varied entertainment on offer throughout the day.

There will be music from DJ Colin Nutley and local bands Where’s Alice and The Ragwormers.

The Mellor Sisters will also be entertaining crowds with their1940s style singing.

GJ Caberets dance group will also be performing.

The event will also have a fully licensed bar, hot takeaway style food and an ice cream van.

There will also be a chance to hear the “all clear” alarm sounding from from a Second World War air raid siren.

Arrangements for the event were briefly discussed during a meeting of Fordingbridge Town Council last week, including bunting to decorate the streets.

Council chairman, Paul Anstey said the council would look further into this.

Anyone who has any local photographs, artefacts or memories of the VE Day celebrations is asked to get in touch by emailing info@fordinbridgemuseum.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01425 654322 or 01425 657850.