Shrewsbury Severn Rotary and Military Vehicle Trust partner for VE Day 80 events
Shrewsbury is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with two special events organised through a collaboration between the Shropshire Military Vehicle Trust and Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club.
To build anticipation for the events, Shropshire members of the Military Vehicle Trust have been out in force across the county town, distributing leaflets to raise awareness. Nine local members actively participated in the distribution effort, making their presence felt with the help of an authentic Willis Jeep and a 1942 Dodge Command Car. Organisers aim to distribute a total of 5,000 leaflets ahead of the celebrations.
The first event is a celebratory concert scheduled for the evening of Friday, May 31, at the historic Shrewsbury Abbey. The concert promises a nostalgic journey with music from the Bill Basey Band, performing in a classic Glenn Miller-style, alongside DJ Bertie Blighty. A licensed bar will be available, with funds raised from the concert supporting Rotary charities and Shrewsbury Abbey.
Tickets for the concert are available for purchase from the Abbey Shop or by calling 07968 779008.
The commemorations continue the following day, Saturday, June 1, with a free public event designed to further mark the VE Day anniversary. Running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, this gathering will also feature 40s wartime music, including DJ Bertie Blighty, with prominent involvement from the Shropshire Military Vehicle Trust.
The free event will offer a licensed outdoor bar area, various trade stalls, and a selection of hot food vendors and refreshments. Additional attractions include performances by ‘The Ronnie Singers’, an opportunity to ‘Meet Lydia’, and engaging displays from ‘Living History Groups’.
For more information on the June 1st event, interested individuals can visit dangeroussheep.com/events or call 0330 229 4041.
Rotarian David Morris, President of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, expressed his gratitude for the promotional efforts: “We are extremely grateful to the Shropshire Military Vehicle Trust for all their splendid work in distributing leaflets around the town.”
Mr. Morris highlighted the impact of the trust members and their vintage vehicles, stating, “No fewer than nine of their local members supported us and certainly made their presence felt wherever their Willis Jeep and 1942 Dodge Command Car took them.”
He added his anticipation for the events: “We are hoping to distribute a total of 5,000 leaflets for what Rotary is confident will be a never-to-be-forgotten VE Day 80 Anniversary celebration.”
“Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club in particular is really excited that the people of Shropshire have the opportunity to enjoy both the 80th anniversary concert and VE Day event – the latter of which is free,” Mr. Morris concluded.
The planned events offer the community a chance to come together and reflect on the significance of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day through music, history, and community engagement.
