VE & VJ Day 80 Anniversary Grants

The 8^th May 2025 marks the 80^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, remembering the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender and the end of fighting in Europe in World War II.

The 15th August 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, commemorating the formal surrender of Japan and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

The national celebrations include flag raising, Lamp Lights of the Peace, readings of The Tribute, Four Pipers playing Celebratum from the top of the Four Peaks - alongside encouraging communities to hold street and garden parties.

Breckland Council has a reputation for commemorating historic anniversaries with community grant schemes and has allocated £250 per eligible group to deliver a VE & VJ Day 80 Grant scheme, which is outlined below.

VE & VJ Day 80 Community Grant Scheme 

This is a one-off events and commemorative activity grant scheme, available to eligible groups and organisations for the purpose of celebrating and reflecting the 80^th Anniversary of VE & VJ Day only. The deadline for applications is midnight Sunday 9th March 2025.

Events and activities should take place between the period of May - August, in recognition of the anniversary dates

• Awards of up to £250 per eligible group or organisation
• Community events and commemorative activity should be inclusive to the general public

Eligible Groups:

• Charities
• Constituted community groups/organisations
• Social enterprise/ CIC
• Faith organisation (offering community activity accessible to all)
• Schools (offering community activity accessible to all, outside of curriculum hours)

Please note Parish and Town Councils are not eligible. 

Eligible spend includes general one-off event and activity costs, such as:

• Food and refreshments
• Decorations
• Entertainment
• Equipment
• Activity materials
• Displays
• Insurance
• Venue Hire
• Marketing costs

The grant will not fund:

• Core costs such as salaries or building works
• Backdated projects
• Activities or projects which have confirmed funding from an alternative source
• Activities that do not align to celebratory or commemorative objectives of the scheme

Successful applications will consider the inclusivity, accessibility and reach of the planned events or activities, and will be required to complete a grant evaluation after the event.

Successful applications will consider the need for any permissions and ongoing maintenance for any permanent structure, signage or display, and all applicants must complete a grant evaluation after the event.

To discuss an application to this grant scheme please contact Communities at community@breckland.gov.uk

To make an application to this grant scheme, please complete the form via the link below:

Apply for VE or VJ Day 80 Years Funding