VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations 🔥

What a brilliant celebration and evening of remembrance.

On Thursday 8th May we held a special evening event at the Flint Barn Cafe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII - Victory in Europe.

The barn was transformed into a street-party style banqueting hall, complete with copious amounts of red, white and blue decorations, flags and bunting. Many of our guests made a great effort with their 1940s costumes, and there was a great buzz of community cheer throughout the barn all evening. The traditional meal of pie, mash and liquor was delicious, and was followed by a spectacular bread and butter pudding dessert with custard. YUM!

We had an immersive re-enactment of the final raid, where the Flint Barn's shutter doors were all closed, the lights were turned off, and the focus turned swiftly to the sound of aircraft and bombing. It certainly was atmospheric and thought provoking.

Then the King's speech played over a crackly radio, announcing the end of the conflict. The radio was specially lit up for atmospheric effect. Guests enjoyed joyful video footage from original VE day celebrations in and around Norwich, and laser displays and searchlights impressed guests outside too.

Reverend Rosie from St Andrews Church, Trowse, read a wonderful Tribute, and we sang "I Vow to Thee my Country", all before the Whitlingham beacon was lit on the meadow. See if you can spot the silhouettes of soldiers around the top of the beacon - A special bespoke touch for this important occasion.

If you missed it, you missed out!

Here are some photos of Thursday's nostalgic event:

Lovely comments from our guests:

I was at the VE80 evening last week and it was splendid! Thanks to all involved.

Mrs L Catton

You must feel very pleased and proud that the evening was such a success. I fully appreciate the amount of planning and effort that goes into an event of this kind. It was all simply perfect – the décor, the food, the King’s speech, the sound effects, the lights, the music, Kate’s beautiful singing, the beacon – everything!. It’s a memory I will treasure.

Reverend Rosemary Braby

Great thanks to all involved in planning, organising, supporting and attending!

Our Whitlingham staff, volunteers, guests and local contributors including:

• Amey

• Standley Steel

• Reverend Rosemary Braby

• Skylit Pyrotechnics

• DC Developments

• Jewsons

Don't want to miss out on our next events?

Keep an eye on our What's On page regularly! We look forward to welcoming you to Whitlingham Country Park soon.