This year marks the 80th anniversary of both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.
Alongside these events, 2025 also sees RAF Odiham and Odiham village celebrate 100 years of aviation.
There will be a number of events that people can get involved with. The Government has announced four days of nationwide celebrations across the country leading up to VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 - starting with street parties, barbecues and community get-togethers up and down the country on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May.
You can see all nationwide activities planned on the Government’s VE/VJ Day website
Don’t forget, it’s free to close your road for a street party, but you will need to apply via our street party application form. Please give us as much notice as possible to ensure we can process them in time for the festivities.
Locally, the Council will be flying the Union Jack from Monday 5 May and on Thursday 8 May at 11am, there will be a Remembrance Service at Gurkha Square, Fleet.
A Remembrance Service for VJ Day takes place on Friday 15 August at 11am, again in Gurkha Square, Fleet.
Odiham festivities
Although RAF Odiham only came into existence officially on 18 October 1938, Odiham has been associated with aviation ever since 1925 when land at Downs Farm was bought by the Air Ministry for a landing strip.
They are celebrating through the summer and events include:
100 Days of Flags – Odiham Parish Council plans to fly the flag in abundance in the High Street.
History of aviation exhibition – from 1 May - 1 September at All Saints Church.
Odiham Freedom Parade, Friday 27 June, 2.30pm –an opportunity for everyone to be part of a civic celebration on Odiham High Street to honour RAF Odiham and 100 years of flight.
Odiham RAF Box Car Race, Sunday 13 July – this amazing event will feature a variety of box carts racing down the High Street.