60 years on

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2005

Noon to 5pm

Admission free

A fantastic show! This is how veterans and other visitors described this major event to commemorate the end of WWII and victory over the Axis, 60 years ago in 1945. Staged on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in association with the Royal British Legion, we brought together many top groups and performers to evoke and remember the era. The great line up featured military and Home Front living history, Victory street party, music, song, dance, fashion, entertainments, tactical displays, 25-pounder firings and military vehicles. The thousands of visitors cheered and waved a sea of union jack flags as a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight roared low overhead in  four exciting passes.  The re-enactors felt honoured to meet numerous war veterans, who in turn took a keen interest in the uniforms, equipment and vehicles.

On Sunday, there was a civic drumhead service to commemorate the sacrifice of our armed services in World War Two, whilst on both days the victims of the London terrorist bombings were remembered. The thousands present all observed poignant 2 minute silences.

Please click for the very full timetable of displays and activities or our gallery of photographs.

Saturday: Salute to Victory! Living history and demonstrations, Victory street party, military vehicles, music, dance and other entertainments

A great day in the park celebrated the success of the allied war effort and the joy at the announcement of the end of the war. Visitors were invited to wear 1940's style clothing to make the most of the atmosphere. They enjoyed the living history, displays, military tactical displays, 25-pounder gun firings, "Victory street party" and picnic, music & song, a fashion show and other entertainments. The day ended with the playing of the Last Post and a final round from the 25-pounder. Living history encampments included British, American and German troops - the latter specifically present to underline the Allies' achievement in defeating a first class enemy.

The groups and performers that took part were::

On Parade, The Blackout Volunteers and Hands on History, who depicted many aspect of life on the Home Front.

The World War Two Living History Association representing British, American and German military forces of the era.

Thunder from Heaven, recreating US Airborne forces.

43 Recce with their British military vehicles and the World War Two Display Group with their firing 25-pounder gun and quad.

Andy Smerdon riding Mack, as a mounted Home Guard soldier.

Riff-RAF, depicting Royal Air Force personnel

1940s music and song from Silvery Moon Productions, Fiona Harrison, the Basingstoke Silver Band and the Basingstoke Concert Band.

Hogarth's Heroes presenting a fascinating one-man show about the Battle of Britain.

Hautbois, with games, activities, sing-a-long and dancing for children to enjoy.

Quintains & Coronels and their children's "WWII assault course"

Croix de Lorraine with their "virtual tour" of the Maginot Line.

Sunday: Festival of Peace as part of National Commemoration Day

All across Britain, this was the veterans' special day, and we were honoured and delighted to be part of this.  A civic drumhead service attended by veterans, The Royal British Legion, other official bodies together with a large number of visitors and re-enactors emphasised the sacrifices made by our troops and on the Home Front. The Spitfire flypast was another hugely popular highlight. The other participants were as Saturday's line up, minus the Basingstoke Concert Band but with plus music and song from the Signpost Theatre Company and Basingstoke Silver Band, plus an impressive array of wartime vehicles from the 514th QM Truck Regiment. "Winston Churchill" and "General Montgomery" arrived during the afternoon, their official car escorted by the military police.

Enquiries

Please E-mail us or call 01509 815645.

All other enquiries: Please contact , Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4AH. Tel: 01256 .

Events 2006

Click here for details of the historical events organised by EventPlan this summer.

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Updated 16 February 2006