Sevenoaks community comes together to celebrate VE Day 80

Published: 09 May 2025

Over a thousand members of the community came together to celebrate VE Day 80 in Sevenoaks on Thursday 8th May. Sevenoaks Town Council held this important community event at the Vine Gardens, following the national protocol.

Local people gathered at 6.30pm to enjoy a free concert on the Vine Bandstand. The talented Jean Bentley Orchestra entertained the crowd as they played wartime tunes.

  

Members of the community were able to chat with representatives from local charities and volunteer organisations who hosted stalls at the event. The volunteer showcase encouraged the theme of public service on VE Day and helped local people find out about volunteering opportunities.

Both the fish and chip van and ice cream van serving food on site were very popular with the crowds. The Café on the Vine and the Vine Bar at the cricket pavilion were also serving delicious food and drink.

Many families came prepared with flags and bunting and enjoyed picnics. Local resident, Joy Pennells, attended the event with her family and said she had joined the VE Day celebrations in Sevenoaks 80 years ago when she was just 18 years old.

 

 

At 8pm, local dignitaries lead a procession to the War Memorial and the Beacon. The Town Crier, Mayor of Sevenoaks, Town Councillors, Councillor Richard Streatfeild MBE from Kent County Council, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Mr Lennox Cato DL were among those who led the way. The Army Cadets, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, Girl Guides and Scouts followed closely behind. 

 

The Mayor of Sevenoaks laid a wreath by the War Memorial as the community watched on. As the procession then reached the Beacon, the Town Crier read the same Proclamation that was being delivered across the country, which included a moment of silence to remember those who had lost their lives. 

 

Sevenoaks soprano Fiona Henry, who has previously sung with the English National Opera, then performed the official hymn for the national event ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’. Following this, the Sevenoaks community looked on as the Town Mayor lit the Beacon.

This fantastic event closed with a performance from Fiona Henry of the national anthem, as the crowds joined in.