Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) was on May 8th 1945. VE Day officially announced the end of World War Two in Europe. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.

Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of total war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing. Once more people could use promenades and beaches cleared of mines and barbed wire. The lights came on and people could enjoy each other’s company before returning to the rigours of peace.

VE Day 1945, never was there such rejoicing! Lights went on, fires were lit, it seemed as if all Brighton had congregated around the Clock Tower and West Street. At that time the road was made of tarred wooden blocks, these were ripped up and enormous bonfires were started. I walked home slowly at around 4am.

Gradually, you could see things changing, the street lights came on for the first time, I had never seen a street lit up, it really was a shock. You no longer saw the moon and the stars as brightly!

But it was not the end of the conflict, nor was it an end to the impact the war had on people. The war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the political, social and economic repercussions of the Second World War were felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered.