Warwick District will unite with towns and cities nationwide on Friday, 15 August 2025, to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day—Victory over Japan—marking the conclusion of World War II.

As part of the commemorative events, a service is scheduled for Sunday, 10 August, at St Margaret's Church in Whitnash.

The following day, Monday, 11 August, Whitnash Town Council will ceremoniously raise the Union and County flags, along with the display of over 100 poppies on lampposts throughout the town.

A special commemorative flag will be raised at the Town Hall in Leamington by the Chairman of Warwick District Council, Cllr Naveen Tangri, with local mayors and representatives from the Royal British Legion, on Friday 15 August at 9.30am.

Warwick District will unite with towns and cities nationwide on Friday, 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (image via WDC)

Cllr Naveen Tangri said: "It is a privilege to be part of Warwick District's VJ Day 80th anniversary celebrations, commemorating the end of World War II and acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of those that fought so hard for our freedoms.

"I'd be delighted to see residents join us at Newbold Comyn to light the beacon and to use it as an opportunity to pause and reflect."

Kenilworth Town Council and the Kenilworth Royal British Legion will be also holding a short service at the War Memorial, Abbey End, at 11am, and all residents are welcome to join.

advertisement

Residents are encouraged to take part in the national two-minute silence at 12 noon.

Warwick, St Mary's Church are set to host a special bellringing tribute to honour those who served in the Far East, later in the day, at 6.30pm.

The bellringing tribute will give individuals a chance to see and hear the bells rung full circle in the traditional English style, just as they were rung 80 years ago to celebrate peace.

In Leamington at 6.30pm, the Royal British Legion Leamington branch and All Saints Church will conduct a service at the War Memorial on Euston Place (image via WDC)

In Leamington at 6.30pm, the Royal British Legion Leamington branch and All Saints Church will conduct a service at the War Memorial on Euston Place.

By 7pm, the district will join the nation in illuminating the beacon at Newbold Comyn, a moment that will include refreshments available for purchase and music beginning at 7.30pm.

The beacon lighting will take place at 8.30pm and will be live-streamed on Warwick District Council's Facebook page.

Kenilworth Town Council also wish to collate and publish local memories and connections of Kenilworth residents to Victory in Japan and the conflict in the Far East.

advertisement

If a Kenilworth resident has a relative who was a Prisoner of War, linked to the Burma Campaign or involved in the Pacific Theatre, and are happy to share their memories with the Town Council and for these to be displayed on their website, send these by email at [email protected].