VE Day 80th Anniversary Marked in Diss
16 May 2025
On Thursday 8th May, the community came together to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. The evening began with a parade in Diss Park, led by local cadet and scout groups, followed by a moving beacon lighting ceremony.
Representatives from Diss Town Council, the Royal British Legion, RAF Association, Salvation Army, local churches, Diss High School, and youth organisations came together to honour those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.
Earlier in the evening, a special commemoration took place at Denmark Lane, where the Blacker Bombard was officially unveiled alongside a new ‘Bombard Way’ street sign. Attendees enjoyed WWII songs and viewed a scale model of the anti-tank weapon, highlighting Diss’ wartime heritage.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the event a meaningful tribute.
This event marks the start of a wider programme commemorating 80 years since the end of WWII. Next up is Armed Forces Day in the Market Place on Saturday 28th June, followed by a VJ Day beacon lighting on 15th August. On 6th September, Diss will host a Friendly Invasion Festival event, honouring the 300,000 American service members stationed in East Anglia during the war.
