This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – a historic moment when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. On 8 May 1945, the long-awaited announcement sparked celebrations across the country, with street parties, dancing and singing as communities came together to mark peace.
To commemorate this milestone, a special VE Day service was held at Fairlop Waters on Thursday 8 May, in partnership with Vision, Redbridge Council, and the Fairlop Heritage Group. The event brought together school children, community groups, and local dignitaries to honour the values of service and selflessness that defined the Allied victory.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council; The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP, MP for Ilford North and Honourable Patron of the Fairlop Heritage Group; and Cllr Sheila Bain, Mayor of Redbridge, all gave heartfelt speeches and laid wreaths to pay tribute to those who served. David Martin, Chair of the Fairlop Heritage Group, delivered a moving presentation on the history and significance of Fairlop’s wartime contribution.
Guests were also treated to performances by Redbridge Music and Redbridge Drama Centre, which were enjoyed by all in attendance, including pupils from local schools.
The Fairlop Heritage Group, dedicated to preserving the history of Fairlop and the surrounding area, has played a crucial role in establishing the memorial at Fairlop Waters. This memorial honours those who served at the Fairlop and Hainault airfields during both World Wars. Vision will be working closely with the Group in the coming months to launch a new leaflet and video, helping share this important heritage with the wider Redbridge community.
As part of the event, the Redbridge People’s Plaque Scheme was also officially launched. Inspired by the English Heritage Blue Plaque initiative, the first plaque was unveiled at Fairlop Waters, recognising the site’s vital role as an airfield during both the First and Second World Wars. More information on the scheme, including how to nominate a future plaque, will be available on the Redbridge Council website soon.
In addition, Redbridge Museum has released a commemorative film exploring life in the boroughs of Ilford and Wanstead & Woodford during the Second World War. The film offers a poignant look at local experiences of the war and is available to view here.
