Victory remembered in Torbay with moving tributes and historic exhibitions

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Communities across Torbay came together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day — in what may be the last major commemoration attended by veterans of the Second World War.

Residents held street parties, joined parades and took part in community sing-alongs to remember the moment of relief and celebration for millions across the continent who had endured bombing, occupation and loss for nearly six years. More than 40 commemorative, educational and celebratory events took place in Brixham alone.

A new set of heritage information boards honouring the local heroes and heroines of WWII were unveiled in Churchill Gardens, Brixham, on 8 May at 10am.

The ceremony was led by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Nick Powe, representing His Majesty the King.

Eight boards were installed, detailing key moments of the war and recognising the 125 local men and women who lost their lives, as well as those who won awards for their wartime efforts in the struggle for peace and freedom. They include rare photographs, such as a 1942 image of the US 4th Infantry Division marching past Brixham Town Hall.

The boards were created by community organisation Brixham Future CIC, with support from the Brixham Lottery and a Torbay Heritage grant.

A spokesperson for Brixham Future said: “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year, we mark the occasion with a lasting memorial that informs future generations of the scale and sacrifice of our forebearers. There is a saying that those who do not remember their history are doomed to repeat it.

“We wanted to mark this historic occasion by creating information boards that highlight major stages of the conflict and the involvement of local people. We have included some donated photographs of our local heroes and heroines to put on these public display boards. We are grateful to all the local people who have helped with this project.

“We have left a lasting legacy at Churchill Gardens for future generations to learn from.”

A parade followed the unveiling, led by Scottish pipes and drums, finishing in a wreath-laying ceremony at Brixham’s war memorial 500 yards along the road.

Brixham Heritage Museum also launched a new exhibition, in partnership with The Diving Museum in Gosport, highlighting the work of the P-Party Naval Clearance Divers based at HMS Vernon (D) in Brixham between 1944 and 1945.

These specialist teams were responsible for clearing mines and booby traps from European ports in the aftermath of D-Day, enabling Allied supplies to reach the front lines. Three teams left for France shortly after D-Day and later worked under dangerous conditions in major ports including Cherbourg, Antwerp, and Bremen.

The exhibition features artefacts on loan and will run until the end of June. A blue plaque commemorating the P-Party divers was unveiled at Brixham Breakwater on 8 May by Capt Al Nekrews CBE QGM in the presence of Caroline Voaden, Lib Dem MP for South Devon, and military representatives.

Some family members of the divers travelled internationally to attend. Among them was 101-year-old Joan, widow of one of the P-Party servicemen, who still lives in Brixham.

A museum spokesperson said: “This important local story was in danger of being lost. We are proud to bring it back into public memory.”

Later in the day, a peace parade led by Patrick the Pony — the mayor of Cockington and War Horse Memorial mascot — made its way along Shoalstone Green in Brixham. Supporters carried signs and symbols of peace, including doves and painted handprints.

An evening concert by local performers, organised by The Music Factory CIC, was followed by the national VE Day beacon lighting at Corbyn Head, part of a UK-wide display of unity and remembrance. The day’s commemorations came to an end with a dinner and dance at the Berry Head Hotel, attended by more than 150 people.

Alison Tania said: "I attended with a group of 12 dance friends. We all dance 1940s lindy hop/swing taught by Erica and Cliff Fowers from Swingout Swingdance based in Paignton. Erica and Cliff organised our booking. Feedback from everyone was that they were very impressed with the food, which was amazing. The venue, organisation of the event and the band were all just perfect. We loved dancing to the band. Everyone was friendly, the staff were efficient and helpful, and of the three VE events we attended, this was my favourite. We also attended the Happy Days production at Brixham theatre the next day, which was a very uplifting show."

Elsewhere in Torbay, local organisations and residents marked the occasion in creative and heartfelt ways. 

In Torquay, a VE Day-themed coffee morning was hosted at the offices of SWISCo, which provides key local services such as waste management. Staff gathered for tea and cake beneath Union Jack decorations, with Cllr Mark Spacagna, Torbay Council’s Armed Forces Champion, and Cllr Christine Carter among those in attendance.

Meanwhile, SPACE – Launching Futures CIC, a Torquay-based community group supporting people over the age of 16 with disabilities and mental health challenges, organised a pirate-themed celebration at Barton Cricket Club. The event featured live music, karaoke, games, arts and crafts, a barbecue provided by Honey’s Outdoor Catering, and a free 80th VE Day tea celebration in partnership with Co-ordin8. Visitors also enjoyed a tombola, raffle, tug-of-war, face painting from Faces, Glitz & Glam, and performances of wartime classics by a live vocalist.

A spokesperson for the group said: “What an incredible day! Thank you to everyone who supported us in making it possible. We continue to be blown away by all the love and support we receive.”