Singer Kerry George will perform a mix of favourite hits and wartime tunes, while X-4CRE and Luton Comic Con’s superheroes will also be there.

There will be more than 25 stalls, including face painting, hot food and a bouncy castle.

Friends of Wandon Recreation Park said: “The community will join together to celebrate the 80th year of VE Day. We are honoured to be a part of this meaningful tribute to WWII heroes. We will continue to fight to save Wandon Park from destruction so that the community can continue to enjoy the much-needed green space in Luton.”

The Dunstable Library will host a special VE Day tea party from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. The drop-in session will include plenty of tea and cake, as well as children’s craft activities such as bunting decorating.

The Dunstable Downs will participate in a special beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday, May 8, which is VE (Victory in Europe) Day.

The beacon will be lit at 9.30 p.m., representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.

The road leading up to the Downs will be closed, so attendees are advised to walk. A shuttle bus service will be available from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, with the last shuttle departing at 10.20pm. Parking at the Downs is limited to Blue Badge holders.

Houghton Regis residents will also have the opportunity to attend a beacon lighting event.

Cllr Elaine Cooper, the town mayor, will light the town’s beacon on the Village Green at 9.30 p.m. Thursday.

Cllr Tahmina Saleem, Mayor of Luton, will commemorate the anniversary by lighting the town’s beacon on the steps of Luton Town Hall from 9 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Expect a combination of music, readings, and prayers.

Luton Point will host a street party-style event in Central Square on May 8. Starting at 11 a.m., you can expect live music from The Boogie Woogie Gals, face painting for children, displays from local groups and a Royal British Legion stall with special commemorative merchandise.

Bakers of all ages are invited to compete in a VE Day-themed cake decorating competition, so get your icing bags and melted chocolate ready!

The categories will be under 16s and 16 and up, with the winner of each receiving an £80 gift card to spend at the centre. Interested participants must register by 5pm on May 6 and bring their creations to Central Square by 3pm or Centre Management (Gallery Level) between 8am and 5pm on May 7th. The judging will begin at 3.30pm on the event day, with the winner announced shortly before 4pm.

Luton Point’s marketing manager, Lavinia Douglass, said: “We’re excited to party like it’s 1945 this VE Day! We are pleased to bring the community together to commemorate 80 years of peace, and this is an excellent opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to participate in the spirit of remembrance and joy. Come along and take part in what promises to be a truly unforgettable day.”

On Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, a rare Churchill tank will visit Luton to honour Vauxhall’s wartime contribution.

During World War II, the Vauxhall factory in Luton contributed significantly to the Allied victory, producing over 5,600 Churchill tanks and approximately 250,000 lorries that were critical to military operations.

A vintage and jazz singer will also perform live music from 1pm to 4pm on both days.

Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, executive leader of Luton Council, stated, “We are extremely proud to bring this rare Churchill tank exhibit to Luton as we commemorate VE Day. This is an exceptional opportunity for our community to connect with an important piece of our local history. Vauxhall’s remarkable contribution to the war effort shaped not only our town’s history, but also helped the Allies win the war.

“I’d like to invite all residents and visitors to come and enjoy the range of activities on offer throughout the town’s VE Day celebrations.”

On Sunday, May 11, Hat Gardens will host an outdoor cinema event for VE Day. The programme includes golden-age classics from the era, such as ‘Bambi’ (1942) at 10am and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939) at 12pm. ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ (1938) at 2 p.m.

On June 22, Wardown Bandstand will host a ‘Victory in Europe’ programme featuring the Luton Brass Band and vintage vocalist Fiona Harrison performing popular songs from the era.

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