Council supporting communities to mark VE Day anniversary
We're offering help to event organisers who are planning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, next month.
Rutland County Council is offering support to residents who wish to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), which falls on 8 May 2025.
This special day provides an opportunity for communities all around the UK to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation by holding local events and activities.
Communities that are planning to hold street parties as part of their commemorations and require a temporary road closure can apply to Rutland County Council by emailing: highways@rutland.gov.uk or calling: 01572 722 577.
Where communities do wish to hold a party in a street or road, they should notify the Council of their plans by midday on Thursday 17 April, so that any safety or other impacts can be assessed, and the closure can be advertised, as required by law. Applications for road closures on Sunday 4 May and Monday 5 May that do not require diversions will not incur a charge from the Council.
“80 years on from the end of the Second World War in Europe, many of us are still humbled by the tremendous sacrifices that were made by countless people throughout the conflict. We know our communities will want to join together to show their respect and appreciation, and mark this historic occasion. If you can hold parties in gardens or public spaces, rather than on the highway, this helps to reduce disruption for emergency services and people who still need to work. Where a temporary closure is needed so an event can take place, please get in touch with us so we can put all the necessary measures in place – particularly when it comes to matters of safety.”
Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Communities
The Council will discuss any specific requirements with event organisers once their application is received. As part of the application process, communities are asked to think about how they will manage any traffic resulting from their road closure, as well as other practical considerations like removing furniture or equipment from the highway, as soon as an event is finished.
The deadline to allow the council to legally advertise the road closure order will be Thursday 17 April. Any applications received after this date unfortunately cannot be granted, given the legal time for such orders to be placed.
Closures can only last for one day and applications should not be made for A, B or C roads, as this would require a fully signposted diversion routes to be put in place.
More information and guidance can be found on the Highways area of our website.