VE80 Celebrations
From 11am Saturday 10th May 2025, you're invited to join community groups, businesses and entertainers in the centre of Knowle to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of VE Day.
The High Street will be at the heart of the celebrations with a vibrant artisan market, street food, community stalls and entertainment. We hope to see you there.
Programme of Events
The event opens to the public at 11am and finishes at 5pm. There will be entertainment on the High Street, street food on Kenilworth Road and market stalls and community groups along our beautiful High Street.
Artisan Market
Browse our artisan market showcasing local businesses on the High Street of Knowle. This year it is bigger than ever, bringing local creators and makers from Warwickshire and the West Midlands to Knowle High Street. The market will be open from 11am to 5pm.
Come along for a mooch of our local artisan stalls. From Spirit of Birmingham whiskey to olive oils and vinegars. From jewellery, prints, crafts and crochet dolls to soaps and candles. We've also got Warwickshire Wildlife Trust coming along.
If you are a local trader interested in a stall, then register with CJ's Events Warwickshire.
Community Zone
As part of the VE80 Celebrations, we'll be shining a light on volunteering for and getting involved in your community.
Local community groups will be on the High Street, so be sure to say hello and find out a little more about them.
Community groups include Knowle Society Knowle, Dorridge and Bentley Heath Neighbourhood Forum, 2nd Monkspath Scouts, Knowle Party in the Park, Solihull & District Soroptomists International, Solihull Rural Police, Knowle Girl Guides and Citizens Advice.
We've also got some fabulous vintage extra's including Steve Chaplin's military vehicles, jeeps & a gorgeous MG Midget along with two 1940's photographers!
Find Knowle merchandise at the Visit Knowle stall. The collection showcases the unique charm and character of Knowle through beautiful line drawings by local artist Jackie Roberts. Featured buildings include the Guild House and the Library. We'll have tote bags, coasters, prints (mounted & framed), key rings, fridge magnets and Christmas cards available to buy at our stall.
Street Food on Kenilworth Road
We've got some scrumptious street food lined up for the celebrations. Browse the stalls on Kenilworth Road.
- BBQ grill, wraps, kebabs, Shawarma
- Stone-baked Pizzas from Cart & Carriage
- Indian Food
- Bar-B-Que at Eric Lyons
- Desserts
Plus drinks available from Knowle business, Mustard Events and all our regular pubs, bars & cafe's will be open.
We've even got picnic benches so that you can sit down and enjoy a bite to eat in the heart of Knowle.
Dog Show
This year, we're teaming up with Pet's World to bring a Dog Competition to Knowle!
Throughout the day Pet's World are hosting a Dog Show! If you've got a favourite pooch, why not enter them?
Categories are:
Cutest Puppy
Prettiest Girl
Most Handsome Boy
Golden Oldie
Best in Show
To register your entry, visit Pet’s World. The £3 fee will be donated to Wythall animal sanctuary. Only one entry per dog, and only 15 spaces per category. Full details of the show available from Pet’s World.
Celebration Entertainment
To commemorate 80 years of VE Day, there will be a programme of entertainment in the village.
Prepare to be entertained by
- Debonaire Dance Troupe
- Step back in time with the incredible 1940s vocals of Amy Price
- Discover local talent at our open mic featuring Emily McCarthy, Garfield Mayor, Hannah Hamer, Lily Hughes, Freddie Hobbis
And entertained through the day by El Sam & DJ Diego.
We're really looking forward to it!
About VE80
The VE80 commemorations in 2025 will be a powerful celebration of resilience and hope, marking 80 years since the dawn of peace in Europe. It's a chance to joyously remember the courage and unity that triumphed over adversity, honouring the sacrifices that paved the way for a brighter future.
Events across the United Kingdom will be a testament to the enduring human spirit, a moment to rejoice in the hard-won freedom we cherish, and to inspire new generations with the promise of lasting peace and understanding. Let us come together to celebrate peace and to renew our commitment to building a world where such victories of humanity continue to shine.
High Street Road Closures
For the event to take place, there will be road closures in place from 8am until approx. 8pm (roads will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so). All car parks will be accessible to the public, with marshals fully briefed to make access to car parks easy. We’ll send another email out about this before the event.
VE Day Supporters and sponsors
The organising team would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity:
Artwork Sponsor: The Marketing Pod
Our event artwork has been created by the multi-award winning creative team at The Marketing Pod, who started their business in the heart of Knowle.
Pet Competition Sponsor: Pet's World
Jude & Sue own the fabulous independent, pet shop and grooming parlour just off the High Street. The high knowledgeably team provide food and accessories for dogs, cats, birds, small animals and fish as well as grooming services for dogs.
Sponsor: No. Thirty One
No Thirty One is a friendly independent kitchen retailer offering a full bespoke professional design service tailored for your needs. Find Sue on Station Road who will guide you through the design process.
Sponsor: Tirebuck Recruitment
Tirebuck Recruitment is an award winning recruitment agency, specialising in recruiting for Permanent, Contract and Temporary business support roles across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
Sponsor: Durant & Co
Durant & Co is a Mortgage, Protection, and Estate Planning firm nestled in the heart of Knowle, catering to the needs of UK residents
