In pictures: Celebrations and street parties to celebrate VE Day 80

Towns and villages across the Royal Borough were decorated in red, white and blue over the Bank Holiday weekend as residents marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

In 1945, residents gathered on Cookham Moor to celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) with a bonfire and party, and on Sunday, around 500 to 600 people gathered once again for an afternoon of celebration at Cookham Village Event’s VE Day Picnic on the Moor.

In keeping with the theme, many guests donned red, white or blue and some even wore 1940s-themed outfits as they sat on picnic blankets and at tables to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

There was plenty of live entertainment and 1940s music to enjoy from pupils at the Cookham Dean, Cookham Rise and Holy Trinity schools.

Musician Rae Phoenix took guests on a musical journey through the decades before the Cookham Kids Singing Group took centre stage to perform.

Children enjoyed VE Day craft activities and games and spent the afternoon colouring, doing puzzles, making flags, medals and bookmarks and playing hopscotch and ball games.

A large tent near the picnic area housed an exhibition filled with the poignant life stories of those from Cookham who had lost their lives during World War Two.

Maidenhead and Cookham MP Josh Reynolds and the High Sheriff of Berkshire Sean Taylor judged both the cake and fancy dress competitions for adults and children.

Both Mr Reynolds and High Sheriff Taylor gave brief speeches before handing out certificates and prizes.

In the cake competition, Alice Brooks took the top spot in the children’s category, while Mark Mason was crowned the adult winner.

Kate Winrow-Davies, chair of Cookham Village Events, said the party looked to ‘keep the memory alive of the people of Cookham who we lost during World War Two’.

MP Josh Reynolds hailed the event as being ‘quintessentially Cookham’ and said it was ‘quite difficult’ to choose a winner in the children’s category of the cake competition.

On Bank Holiday Monday, celebrations and parties took place across the area – including in Holyport, at Braywood Memorial Hall and in Boyn Valley Road, College Avenue and Highfield Road.

Union Jack dresses and aprons were among some of the vibrant outfits guests wore to celebrate VE Day in Holyport as they enjoyed food, drinks, activities and community festivities.

Over at Braywood Memorial Hall in Fifield, a celebratory VE Day picnic was being held for people to celebrate and enjoy plenty of food and drink.

Monday afternoon saw residents gather in Boyn Valley Road to meet neighbours, share food and enjoy games such as giant Jenga and Splat a Rat brought along by resident Ray Tucker who is involved with the Explorer Scouts.

Emma Kisby, one of the organisers, said: “I think considering the weather…people have still come out and we’re still enjoying ourselves, so it’s gone really well.”

In College Avenue, more than 60 residents gathered to enjoy an afternoon of fun and games and lots cakes and savoury treats.

Esme’s ice cream stall was open to guests and resident Sam Beattie was creating flags and VE Day themed chalk drawings on the road.

A memory line showcased previous VE Day street parties and featured poignant stories of loved ones remembered from the war.

Jane Stone, one of the organisers, said the party was ‘pretty good’ and had a ‘good turnout’ despite the weather.

Residents were partying the afternoon away in Highfield Road with live music, food and drink.

The party, which welcomed around 100 people throughout the day, including residents from neighbouring Alwyn Road and Fielding Road, saw people take part in egg and spoon races, a general knowledge quiz and enjoy a barbecue.

Millie Rust Clarke, who organised the event with Caroline Thompson, said the party has ‘been really good’, and added: “I think it’s really important to mark the occasion and make sure that it’s remembered and it’s also a nice reason to celebrate and bring the community together.”