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Torch processions and street parties to mark VE Day

The Decadettes Selfie of four smiling women in matching clothes and make-up. They are wearing sleeveless floral dresses, dark pink lipstick and cerise fascinators.The Decadettes
Vintage singing group the Decadettes will be performing in Dorchester

The sound of street parties and live music will be filling the air across Dorset as the county marks 80 years since VE Day.

Torchlight processions, afternoon teas, picnics and exhibitions will also take place throughout the week to commemorate the end of World War Two in Europe.

About 40 communities have been granted road closures for street parties on Monday but many more celebrations will be taking place in parks and gardens.

Beacons will be lit across the UK on VE Day, 8 May, and church bells will ring out.

Sue Melville Three images. One shows terraced stone cottages in Abbotsbury with banners strung from flagpoles hanging over the pavement. The other two are of the banners. One banner depicts two flagpoles bearing the national flags of 15 World War Two allies. The other shows a profile silhouette of Winston Churchill with his trademark cigar in his mouth and trilby hat.Sue Melville
Villagers attended banner making workshops to create the display

In Lyme Regis, a torchlight procession will take place on Thursday evening, with torchbearers walking from Langmoor and Lister Gardens to Sandy Beach where they will form a "ring of fire".

A parade with red lanterns will also take place in Verwood, from St Michael's Church to the War Memorial on Ferrett Green.

In Abbotsbury, residents have been painting large banners that are now hanging from cottages throughout the village.

The 25 artworks depict wartime themes and will remain on display throughout the week.

Local bands will be taking to the stage on Weymouth seafront on Saturday 10 May.

Black and white photo shows BBC's Ralph Wightman (left) recording a toast to victory at the public house at Piddletrenthide, Dorset. His is holding a large microphone with a large BBC logo on the top. He is with three men and two women. Two of the men are wearing suits and trilby hats and holding up pint mugs. The recording formed part of Victory Report in BBC programmes on VE night.
BBC's Ralph Wightman spoke to Piddletrenthide residents for a VE Day broadcast in 1945

A free concert will also be held at the bandstand in Dorchester's Borough Gardens on Sunday 11 May, with music from the Durnovaria Silver Band and the Decadettes vintage singing group.

Many more events are taking place, organised by Dorset Council, BCP, town and parish councils, charities and local groups.

Most areas will also be holding memorial services and ceremonies.

There are more than a dozen official beacon locations across the county, including Burton Bradstock, Lytchett Matravers, Corfe Castle and Wimborne Cemetery.

Chair of Dorset Council Stella Jones will host the beacon lighting at Durlston Castle, while BCP Council chairman Lesley Dedman will lead proceedings at Bournemouth Civic Centre's beacon.

Dorset Council's community engagement councillor, Ryan Hope, said: "The 80th anniversaries of VE Day give us a chance to come together and honour the sacrifices made by many during the war.

"Whether you're attending a local event, hosting a street party or sharing stories from the past, we encourage everyone in Dorset to take part in commemorations and celebrations."

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