Torbay to mark VE Day 80 with fish and chips, parades and community events

It's time to fetch out the red, white and blue as Torbay celebrates the 80th anniversary of VE Day. And what better way to mark the occasion than with one of the country’s most treasured traditions – fish and chips?

Torquay seafront bar, restaurant and takeaway Pier Point are joining the nation in marking the historic anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on Thursday, May 8, and honouring the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War with a nod to Britain’s most iconic dish.

Pier Point is taking part in the National Federation of Fish Friers VE Day Fish and Chip Party, offering 10 per cent off takeaway orders of £50 or more in a single transaction on May 8.

The promotion celebrates more than just a national favourite – it also recognises the important role fish and chips played during wartime Britain. The dish was one of the few not subject to rationing, offering sustenance and comfort to civilians and servicemen alike. It became a symbol of resilience and a reminder of home to troops abroad.

Lorraine Arnold, owner of Pier Point, said: “VE Day is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and national pride. We’re delighted to be part of the NFFF’s nationwide celebration and to serve up our award-winning fish and chips — a dish that’s been lifting spirits for generations."

Street parties are being organised in communities across the Bay to mark May 8, 1945, when Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of fighting in Europe, a large step towards ending World War II.

Torbay Council is inviting the public to Corbyn Head between 9pm and 10pm on Thursday, May 8, where officials and dignitaries are lighting a commemorative beacon as part of national celebrations.

Three specially themed flower beds have also been planned at key locations around the Bay: Abbey Gardens in Torquay, the end of Torbay Road opposite the Vue Cinema in Paignton and Roundham Road in Paignton.

The floral displays feature designs including VE Day 80 insignia, the Union Flag, poppies, military crests, and a depiction of a Spitfire.

Brixham and Brixham Town Council are pulling out all the stops to remember the big day in the fishing port.

A VE Parade Service is being held on Thursday, May 8, starting at 10.50am at the Brixham War Memorial on Berry Head Road. A parade of military veterans and community groups will assemble at 10am at Churchill Gardens for the unveiling of `Local heroes and heroines of WW2` Information Boards. A march into town will follow to the War Memorial for an 11.50am service. In 1939, Brixham had a population of around 8,000. Over 125 local inhabitants were killed during the war (1939-1945), with many more injured or suffering loss and bereavement.

The second war memorial for service starts with a welcome and introduction led by Martyn Hodge, local chaplain to the Royal British Legion (Brixham Branch). HM The King's representative will be greeted by the President of the Royal British Legion (Brixham Branch), Mr Jonathan Parr. The parade arrives marching along Berry Head Road, led by standards, pipes and drums after the unveiling of `Local Heroes and Heroines of WW2` at Churchill Memorial Gardens. The Last Post is played and is followed by two minutes' silence at 11.02am before the laying of wreaths.

There will be tributes from Brixham Town Band and Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choir. The Lord Lieutenant and dignitaries depart to Fore Street for a formal march pass. A community singalong will include Vera Lynn’s famous ‘We’ll meet again’.

There will be several free public entertainments in town over a few days covering Friday, May 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11, including a special museum, library and town hall exhibitions, window displays, activities at the Quayside, shanty singers, a 1940s Victory Concert in `All Saints ` Church, Brixham, a musical tribute in Brixham Theatre, a brass band concert, a 1940s quiz, and events at the Brixham Battery with tea and coffee from the Brixham Rotary Club caravan.

Paignton Library is holding a community picnic with vintage singer Samantha Montini performing songs from the era by musical greats such as Glen Miller, The Andrew Sisters and Vera Lynn.

The Torquay Central Conservative Club in Torquay will stage a red, white and blue afternoon of music, sing-alongs, and a lively quiz on Thursday, May 8, from 2pm to 4pm.

On Thursday, May 8, from 10am to 12pm, the Torquay Coastal Volunteers will be at Beacon Cove for a community clean-up.

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club, located on Beacon Hill, will then continue the celebrations with an evening of live music starting at 7pm.

Freemasons from across the South West will also come together in a historic and visually striking event at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday, May 8.

The gathering will bring Freemasons from Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, joined by national heads of Freemasonry, for a special Evensong hosted by the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, Very Reverend Jonathan Greener.

This will be the first public parade in almost a decade of Freemasons wearing their traditional regalia, with the added distinction of Royal Arch Masons appearing publicly in their striking red, white, and blue regalia for the first time ever.