A joyful celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day took place on Sutton Lawn, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
The VE Day 80 Peace Party was organised by the Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) college in Sutton-in-Ashfield, and was one of the only celebrations across the country to see the Battle of Britain Memorial flight pass over.
The RAF took to the skies above the park where around 3000 people attended including many local primary schools, making it the largest event in Nottinghamshire on the day and the only one to have a special appearance, of a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane, much to the amazement of people of Ashfield and the local community.
The VE Day celebratory event saw exhibitions, as well as wartime song and dance performances from local schools. Making a spectacular event seeing the joy and appreciation on the faces of young and old.
Some veterans and Standard bearers stood to attention for the National Anthem as the park was filled with song.
Before the flypast all were entertained on the lawn and addressed by an very realistic actor delivering the famous “Churchill speech”.
The flyover took place precisely at 4.59pm and saw both RAF aircraft fly over the park three times to the amazement and delight of the visitors, seeing the icons of World War II in action and letting them reflect on the sacrifices taken.
It was a fitting tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
The ATTFE College not only hosted the event but invited around 100 special community guests to a seated afternoon tea on the Lawn, these included Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC with her four Deputy Lord Lieutenant’s, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Ed Attenborough DL and many council leaders and College Governors to name a few.
Staff from the College including Further Education Students and College Volunteers attended and helped out during the five hours spectacle on the ground.
Liz Barrett, principal at the ATTFE College, said, “We are so lucky to have had the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast today on Sutton Lawn and such an amazing way for the local community to get together to celebrate this wonderful occasion. “On behalf of ATTFE College, I would like to express my thanks to everyone involved and to the people of Sutton in Ashfield and the local community for attending this fantastic event”
The Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, said: “This event in Ashfield, and many events taking place across Nottinghamshire today, give us all an opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices made for freedom, and the enduring power of peace and unity.
Mark McCourt, CEO of Academy Transformation Trust, said: “It is a profound honour to be part of today’s VE80 celebration. Events like this remind us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice shown by those who served, and the deep sense of community that sustains us today. Seeing the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Sutton is a powerful and humbling tribute. I’m incredibly proud of ATTFE College and our wider Trust family for bringing people together in such a meaningful and memorable way.”
Photo Gallery:
Photographs taken by Kate Hollingsworth
Media Coverage:
Spitfire and Hurricane to fly over Sutton Lawn VE 80 celebration
