Cardiff Castle will host a special celebration picnic, and residents are being encouraged to host street parties to commemorate the 80thanniversary of VE Day later this year.
The free event, on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th, forms part of the Great British Food Festival campaign. Led by the Together Coalition, the campaign aims to bring communities across Wales and the UK together to mark VE Day with a street party, a picnic in their local park, or by joining a local community event.
Organised by Cardiff Council and supported by Welsh Government, the picnic in the Castle’s public open space will take place from 11am – 5pm. The family-friendly event will feature a range of free entertainment. Expect music from the bandstand, walkabout entertainers including circus and puppet shows as well as children’s craft activities. No tickets are required – just turn up and enjoy the fun.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Park and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “VE Day marks the end of nearly six years of war, at the cost of millions of lives. It’s a significant event in our history and one that should be celebrated.
“This free event is a great opportunity for people to grab a blanket, pack a picnic and come together, in peace and unity with their friends and family, to enjoy a fun, family friendly day together.”
Cardiff residents can also submit applications to hold organised VE Day street parties over the first May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Street party applications can be made by emailing [email protected] before 22 April, 2025. All road closures will have to satisfy safety checks and can only be authorised if they do so.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Climate Change and Strategic Planning, said, “Due to a more favourable budget settlement, we’ve been able to put one-off funding aside in this financial year (from April) which allows the council to waive the costs associated with closing roads for VE Day community street parties, provided the event is non-commercial in nature, meaning no products or entertainment are sold to attendees.
“We hope this initiative will foster a sense of unity and community spirit as we commemorate VE Day. We look forward to a wonderful weekend filled with activities and remembrance, honouring those who lost their lives for our freedom.”
