VJ Day 80: Remember, commemorate, celebrate.

Friday 15th August 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ day, when Imperial Japan surrendered in WWII, in effect bringing the war to an end.

On this landmark anniversary, Sudbury Town Council, Sudbury Arts Centre and The Royal British Legion will be coming together to remember all of those who fought and lost their lives for our country, but also celebrating their memory.

There will be a historical re-enactment, music in the form of a ukulele band and a sing-a-long, an informative talk at Sudbury Arts Centre and 1940's style snacks in the Mayor's parlour.

The day will finish with a memorial service and the lighting of the beacon.

All are welcome, and encouraged, to wear 40's themed clothes and the first 100 children to do so will receive a flag goody bag.

The programme of events is as follows:

• 12:00pm - 2 minutes silence.

• 2:00pm - Opening announcements.

• 2:05pm - Chasin' Rainbows - Ukulele band.

• 2:30pm - Civic Party & Re-enactors arrive.

• 2:35pm - Deputy Mayor's speech and the Re-enactment begins.

• 2:55pm - National Anthem's, both UK & US.

• 3:00pm - Final announcements & introductions.

• 3:05pm - Chasin' Rainbows - Ukulele band.

• 3:30pm - Jaclyn Byham leads the sing-a-long.

• 4:00pm - Mayors Parlour open to the public for 40's style snacks.

• 6:00pm - David Williams talk & presentation at Sudbury Arts Centre.

• 8:00pm - VJ Day 80 memorial service at St Gregory's Church.

• 9:00pm - Lighting of the beacon.

Timings are approximate.

The 6pm talk is free but does need to be booked - scan the QR code on the poster to secure your spot.