Tupton village prepares for 75th anniversary of VE Day with host of free events

A team of hard-working volunteers in the village have been successful in winning a bid for National Lottery funding. The funding and other efforts means that all but one of the activities on offer are free for everyone.

The events confirmed are as follows.

Wednesday, May 6, at 7pm, at St John’s Church, Queen Victoria Road, Tupton, there will be a film showing of ‘Desperate Journey’. Free entry.

Thursday, May 7, at 7pm at St John’s Church, there will be a talk entitled ‘Life in 1945’. A local historian will give a flavour of what life was like in 1945. Free entry.

Friday, May 8, from 2pm to 6pm, there will be a street party event in Ward Street, Tupton. Residents are invited to dress in 1940s style, bring along deckchairs and a picnic. There will be live entertainment, dance displays, choirs, vocalists and special guests. Free entry and participation in activities.

Friday, May 8, from 7.30pm, continuing with a 1940s theme, dance the night away at Tupton Village Hall, Green Lane, to the sound of The Ockbrook Big Band. Tickets cost £5 in advance. Contact Gill Watters on 07852440565.

On Saturday, May 9, from midday to 8pm, a family picnic on the park at Tupton Rugby Club, North Side, Tupton. There will be vintage swing boats, maypole, family outdoor games, with an additional first for Tupton – an outdoor cinema. Free.

On the Sunday at 10.30am, there will be a special service of commemoration at Tupton Village Hall, featuring the musical talents of Cantiamo. The service will be followed by a parade from the village hall to Ford Street, led by Shirland Welfare Band.

Committee member Gill Watters said: “For Tupton, the end of the war in Europe brought huge relief to the community. In March 1941, Tupton suffered the highest number of civilian deaths as a result of direct enemy action, more than any other rural village in Derbyshire. We have families in the village who have living memory of this and we want to show that the sacrifices made then, are still remembered, by the generations of today.”

See the ’Tupton VE Day 75’ Facebook group for more.