Published: Thursday 8 May 2025
Community groups across Kensington and Chelsea have been granted nearly £10,000 in funding to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day (VE).
Supporting VE Day community events
The Council has issued grants of up to £500 via the City Living, Local Life grant fund and waived fees for road closures to help communities organise VE Day activities in the borough. A total of 15 applications have so far been awarded funding to help organise a range of activities in the borough including a service of thanksgiving, commemoration ceremonies, street and garden parties, as well as breakfast and afternoon tea events.
Cllr Sarah Addenbrooke, Lead Member for communities and community safety said:
"VE Day is a reminder of all the sacrifices made by our veterans. I want to thank and honour their courage and resilience as we mark the 80th anniversary.
“We’ve supported our residents who wanted to organise VE Day events in Kensington and Chelsea by waiving fees for road closures and providing grants.
“With celebrations continuing this week, it’s a wonderful opportunity for communities to come together and mark this historic occasion.”
Sarah Jane, resident in Kensington and Chelsea who organised a VE Day street party said:
“I am so grateful to City Living Local Life for supporting the Holland Street VE day street party. The event brought together the local community, and the day was a great success.
I could not have done it without their support. Truly amazing.”
On Thursday 8 May, a commemorative VE Day 80 flag was raised at Kensington Town Hall hosted by Kensington and Chelsea Mayor, Cllr Will Lane to honour those who served in World War II.
City Living, Local Life grants
Applications are still open for grants up to £500 to help communities celebrate and mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The event must be in Kensington and Chelsea, focused on celebrating veterans, and take place between Friday 2 May and Monday 12 May 2025.
Find out more about the applications process for the City Living, Local Life grant on the Council’s website.
VE Day events
You can see what events are happening in the borough by visiting the VE Day website . If you’re celebrating VE day, send us your photos on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok, and we will share our favourites.