Events are set to take place across the borough as Bolton celebrates the 80-year anniversary of VE Day. Local councillors have awarded more than £9,500 of grants from their area working budgets to groups to support 22 different community-led VE celebration events across the borough. A civic church service and beacon lighting will take place at Bolton Parish Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 8. Military standards will be on parade, the Mayor of Bolton will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Bolton, and Bolton Hoover Band will perform both wartime and military songs. At 9.30pm, Bolton will join communities across the UK and the Commonwealth in lighting a beacon from the top of the church tower. Attendance is free and free refreshments will be served in the church afterwards. VE Day is a day of remembrance that commemorates Germany’s surrender to the allies during World War II. While the official date falls on May 8, the government has also urged communities to use the Early May Bank Holiday Weekend to come together and celebrate the occasion. In Bolton, many of these celebrations are being backed by the council’s area working funding. However, the council has not promoted local road closures for smaller street parties this year. Speaking at a recent full council meeting Coun Nadim Ayub, said: “It is unfortunately too late for the council to promote the opportunity to process local road closures but the area working team will work closely with ward councillors to advise on what the funds can be used for celebrations. “This will enable larger celebrations across the town and district centres as there is time to apply for for the road closures at these locations.” He added that funds of up to £250 per street party or event had been available. The Mayor of Bolton, Coun Andy Morgan, said: “From major civic events to local street parties, VE Day is a unique opportunity to bring everyone together to commemorate our shared history. “The VE Day church service will be a memorable evening of live music, reflection, and celebration. “I also look forward to the variety of community events as people across the borough mark this milestone 80th anniversary in their own way.” Selected events in Bolton to celebrate VE Day: The Royal British Legion Westhoughton Branch, RAFA Leigh Branch and Westhoughton Town Council have invited the community to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day Arrival 1.40pm – Parade and speeches at 2pm followed by live entertainment.For a free ticket follow the QR Code on the cricket club’s Facebook page. Afternoon tea can be purchased at an additional cost from the club, as well as other food on the day or bring your own picnic and drinks. Please note no alcoholic drinks are to be brought onto the premises but can be bought at the bar. Westhoughton Cricket Club, St Georges Oval, Cappadocia Way, Westhoughton One of the free public events where families can enjoy an outdoor picnic is at Longsight Park on Monday, May 5. It is open to to the public with no booking required. Organised by Friends of Harwood & Longsight Park, the event will begin at at 10.58am on bank holiday when the The Last Post will be played followed by a reading of Henry Deeds poem The Naming of Parts followed by the male voice choir Phoenix Knights of Harmony. Those events will finish around noon but the local park picnic tables will be set out with Union flags for people to bring their own picnics There will be a garden party on the afternoon of Thursday, May 8 for VE day celebrations, Beverly Taylor will be performing songs. Families are welcome to attend. Book your free tickets at www.ticketfest.co.uk. No booking fee. Max of four tickets per household. Limited amount of tickets can be collected from Chill@TheCowshed, Horwich and Blackrod Town Council Book free tickets at www.ticketfest.co.uk. No booking fee. Max of four tickets per household. Limited amount of tickets can be collected from Chill@TheCowshed, Horwich and Blackrod Town Council