Eastleigh gears up for VE Day commemorations
Events include flag raising and VE Day services
Eighty years ago on May 8,1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end.
Across Eastleigh and the UK, people took to the streets to celebrate the end of the European conflict - although the war itself did not fully end until the Japanese surrendered in August of the same year.
Many communities in Eastleigh threw street parties to mark the historic event which holds special significance for the people of Eastleigh.
Eastleigh Borough was an important location during the Second World War. Most famously, it was where the maiden flight of the Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft – which went on to play such a decisive role in the 1940 Battle of Britain - took place in 1936.
As well as this, Eastleigh was a major railway town and the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley was one of the biggest military hospitals in the country.
The borough had a significant role in the build-up to the June 1944 Normandy landings, the decisive Allied invasion that signalled the beginning of the end of the war.
Four marshalling camps at Hiltingbury had a total capacity of 11,000 men and 2,000 vehicles, and were the largest group of camps in any of the marshalling areas in the run-up D-Day. There was also a marshalling camp at North Stoneham.
The town’s Pirelli cableworks contributed to PLUTO (the PipeLine Under The Ocean) that was crucial to the success of the invasion.
There are a number of events scheduled to mark the historic occasion including a spectacular vintage extravaganza on the 10th of May from 11am on Leigh Road Rec staged by Dream Empire Events
Other events are set to include:
VE Day Flag Raising in West End on Thursday 8 May in the morning followed by a VE Day 80 Service that evening.
The Mayor of Eastleigh is also due to attend a commemoration event at the Royal Southern Yacht Club
Chandlers Ford Parish Council will be marking VE Day by lighting a ceremonial beacon at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground at 9.30pm on May 8 with musical accompaniment from Michelmersh Silver Band commencing at 8.45pm.
Pictured: Campbell Road Street Party in 1945 celebrating VE Day.
- Temporary road closures will be in place for street parties at:
- Stainer Way
- Longfield Road
- Orchard Road