IN HONOUR OF VE DAY

Erewash residents planning to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a street party on Friday 8th May have the chance to apply for funding to help with their commemorations.

Erewash Borough Council has confirmed that grants of between £50 and £200 are available to support street parties in the borough have until 5pm on Friday 27th March to apply. The anniversary day has been declared as a Bank Holiday for the nation to salute and remember the historic Victory in Europe – and it is expected that some residents and groups will want to honour the occasion by holding street parties. Grants are only on offer for events taking place on Friday 8th May and can be used to help with things like bunting, entertainment, table and chair hire and food and drink (non-alcoholic). Councillor Val Clare, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, says:

“We are delighted to be able to offer this support, which will give some extra sparkle to what will be a poignant occasion. Street parties bring communities together and this anniversary will enable residents to experience the celebration the nation felt 75 years ago at Victory in Europe and peace at last – while also, of course, remembering all those who gave their lives and never returned.”

Full details of how to apply and what the grants may be used for are on the council’s website www.erewash.gov.uk/vedaygrants and party planners are urged to put in their applications for funding as soon as possible. Where events are to be held on a street an application for a Road Closure Order must be submitted and this information is also available on the council’s website.

• Residents will also be able to pay their VE Day tributes at wreath-laying commemorations at Ilkeston Cenotaph and Long Eaton War Memorial on Friday 8 May. Ilkeston Brass and Long Eaton Silver Prize Band will entertain from 2.30pm-3pm before pausing for the laying of remembrance wreaths at 3pm The bands will then play again from 3.15pm to 3.45pm.