Host a Street Party in 2025 – Celebrate VE Day 80 and The Big Lunch with Your Community
Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents to come together and celebrate two major community events this year—the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and The Big Lunch 2025—by hosting local street parties. To support these celebrations, the Council is waiving the usual road closure fees for both occasions, continuing its commitment to strengthening community connections across the Borough.
Mayor Tom Wootton said: “Both the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and The Big Lunch are brilliant opportunities for people across Bedford Borough to come together. These events help foster stronger connections, reflect on our shared history, and celebrate the communities we live in. I’m proud that the Council is supporting residents by waiving street party fees and making it easier to bring neighbours together.”
VE Day 80
VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe and honours the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. To commemorate this significant milestone, the Council will raise the Union Flag at Borough Hall and light the Corn Exchange in red, white and blue on the evening of Thursday 8 May.
Street parties on VE Day, which will nationally be celebrated on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May) which has been officially dedicated to nationwide community celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. offer a chance to reflect, remember, and come together in the spirit of unity. Applications to host a VE Day street party must be submitted by Friday 18 April.
The Big Lunch – Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June
The Big Lunch is a national celebration of community, encouraging neighbours to get together, share food, and build stronger local connections. Whether you’re in an urban street or a rural village, the Council is making it easier for everyone to join in by covering the administrative and legal costs for residential street closures. Applications must be submitted by Monday 12 May.
How to Apply
To organise a street party for either VE Day or The Big Lunch, simply email road.closures@bedford.gov.uk with the following details:
- Event date (VE Day or Big Lunch)
- Road name and time of the closure
- An emergency contact for the day
