Pubs in Lincoln are raising a glass in honour of the the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe today.
Independent bars are honouring the historic day by hosting events, decorating their venues – and even offering free drinks to armed force veterans.
The Lincolnshire Poacher, in High Street, Metheringham, is offering a complimentary drink to any serving and retired military members, as a gesture of appreciation for their service, as well as decorating the pub with VE Day-themed banners and posters.
Deputy Manager Malakye Galloway-Baxter said: “At around 5pm we’ve had a local who has put together a little event, where any serving or retired military can come in, basically to celebrate, and then as they come in they’ll get a free pint of Bombardier.”
“We’ve even got a banner up just near the bar. I think VE Day events could certainly be pushed a little bit more because it’s the 80th anniversary and we should be remembering the life loss and celebrating the end of the war.”
The Lion and Snake pub, in Bailgate, is supporting the VE Day parade at the Lincoln Cathedral and Castle, where there will be a concert and DJ at 4:30pm, followed by other traditional events.
Staff member Chris Swain, said: “We have a lot of flags up to celebrate the 80th anniversary, and we have an event happening tonight because we’re next to the cathedral, because they’re doing a veterans day parade today.”
“We’re here to support the parade, so people can flock in here after they’ve been there, so we should have some big crowds tonight! I think everyone should celebrate VE Day today by coming down to the Cathedral Quarter and raise a glass for the 80th anniversary.”
Lincoln is not the only place celebrating the occasion. London is holding many exciting VE Day events, the main one being the return of the poppies at The Tower of London, ‘The Tower Remembers’.
Thousands of ceramic poppies will flood into the moat, from May 6 to November 11. 30,000 of the 880,000 blood-red poppies, from 2014, will be arranged in the moat to form a ‘wound’ at the heart of the tower.
Across London, a military parade from Parliament Square along Whitehall will take place. This will finish with a ceremonial tradition of the flypast over Buckingham Palace.
A two minute silence was held at 12pm today across the whole nation, to remember and thank those who fought for their freedom.
