28/02/25: Breckland Council invites grant bids to help mark VE Day and VJ Day

Breckland Council is encouraging local groups to submit their bids for a new grant scheme which aims to commemorate the upcoming 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Groups still have over a week left to apply, with the applications period closing on 9 March 2025.

A total of £12,500 has been made available to support activities that bring together Breckland communities and mark the historic events. VE day, which takes place on 8 May, commemorates the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War. Additionally,15 August 2025 marks VJ day, 80 years since the formal surrender of Japan and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

Breckland Council's VE and VJ Day Community Grant Scheme will make individual grants of up to £250 available to help eligible groups and organisations hold events and commemorative activities for Breckland residents. The grants can be used to help fund costs such as food and refreshments, decorations and entertainment as well as commemorative items such as plaques to display to the public.

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "This grant scheme offers an excellent opportunity for communities across Breckland to come together and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. We have seen great success with our previous community grants and I look forward to seeing what events our VE an VJ funding can support across the district."

Click to find out more about the grants.