The Armed Forces Team for North East Lincolnshire have encouraged people to take part in events to remember the sacrifices made during The Second World War. Towns and villages throughout northern Lincolnshire are due to host ceremonies and events.
Flags to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe on May 8, 1945 will be unfurled in Cleethorpes. New pole fixings have been installed to make the flags more secure ahead of a series of events to honour our Armed Forces.
Ships and trawlers around Grimsby Docks blasted horns sending a wave of noise through the town on May 8, 1945. The relief at the end of war in Europe after six long and dark years, was tempered by the fact that many from northern Lincolnshire were still serving in the war against Japan. It did not formally end until September 2, 1945.
However, the end of war in Europe was marked by parades and speeches, as well as scores of street parties, where residents shared their ration book in order to put food and drinks on tables.
At The Armed Forces Team headquarters at The Knoll in Cleethorpes breakfasts will be served from 9.30am on May 8 in Blighty's cafe. There will also be a display of Second World War vehicles, meaning the car park at the top of Sea View street in Cleethorpes will be closed.
The veterans social clubs on Alexandra Road will open for a celebration. Supporters are encouraged to dress up in 1940s style outfits for the event.
Armed Forces Team member, Christ Shaw said: "A lot of people are getting organised for events over that weekend and rather than compete we decided to host our event on the actual day war ended on May 8. It is a free event. The flags will be up and the clubs are open in the afternoon and Blighty's is open all day."
Armed Forces Champion, Alex Baxter said there will be a short ceremony at The Remembrance Gate at 11am on May 8 to remember The Fallen of the Second World War.
He said he was pleased the flag poles have been made secure after years of facing coastal winds. He told how plans for Armed Forces Weekend on June 27 to 29 were now set.
There will be a Carnival Parade on Friday evening with 120 entrants who will move through the centre of the resort. On Saturday, a Military Parade will take place from 11am.
A total of 25 military vehicles will be on display at Meridian Park. Ten of them are armoured vehicles and there will be battle tanks too. Organisers said there will be a Red Arrows Display at 12.30pm and a big wheel will also be erected next to Cleethorpes leisure centre.
