70 years since Europe declared victory over the Nazis will be celebrated on Friday May 8 at Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury.

VE day - otherwise known as the end of the Second World War - will start with a “street party” inside the fort where people will be invited to enjoy food and drink from the 1940s.

The event, which will start at 7pm, will include singing from Golden Voices and from 8.30pm East Tilbury Primary School will be performing dances from the period.

At 9pm visitors to the event will be ushered outside for the lighting of the Beacon ceremony – in the fort’s park grounds. 

This will also feature singing from Golden Voices, the over-50s community choir.

At 9.30, the Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Steve Liddiard, will light a beacon whilst a lone bugler plays. 

Victory in Europe Day has been organised this year by the Heritage Lottery team based at Thurrock Council. The event is free to enter and open to all.