Banbury Town Council plans to hold a special one-off event in People’s Park in order to mark the passing of 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Banbury VJ Day will see visitors invited to bring a lunch to a free gathering in People’s Park to take part in a summer picnic. There will also be a number of attractions, including live and pre-recorded music from the period and a number of military vehicles.
Following on from the highly successful VE Day, Banbury Town Council received many requests from the public to host an event to mark VJ Day. While VE Day is celebrated to mark the end of World War II on the continent, services and events are also held for VJ Day, with the surrender of Japan and the end of the war in the pacific.
Reflective of the street party held to mark VE Day, families will this time be invited to bring a lunch and attend a community picnic in People’s Park.
While the period of the war between May and August 1945 is primarily remembered as a conflict between the USA and Japan, there were many other countries involved during these final stages, including the UK. However, while the UK generally celebrates VJ Day on the 15th August, the US usually commemorates the day on the 2nd September, when Japan signed the declaration of surrender.
It was decided that the Banbury event will be held on the UK VJ Day – Friday 15th August – alongside the vast majority of other organisations and bodies marking the occasion across the country. Not only would this be keeping with national tradition, but also remain consistent with other Banbury Town Council ‘National Day’ events being held on the date itself. Examples of other occasions following this pattern in 2025 include VE Day, Remembrance Sunday, and Armed Forces Day.
Banbury Town Council has also made other preparations to mark VJ Day, including decorating the outside of Town Hall with bunting and poppies with names of those from Banbury who lost their lives in the world wars.
Also making an appearance at the event will be popular local vintage vocalist Beau Norton, who will deliver a setlist comprised of music from the 1930s and 1940s. The event has been designed to be accessible and welcoming to visitors of all ages. Like the town’s VE Day celebrations, Banbury VJ Day looks to create a shared experience that brings the community together.
Anyone looking for more news and information on Banbury Town Council events, as well as other services offered by Banbury Town Council, can visit www.banbury.gov.uk, follow the council on Facebook and Instagram or call us on 01295 250340.