A City of Villages: VE Day Events
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artSites
A City of Villages: VE Day Events
19 June - 16 July 2005
As 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of VE Day and the second world war, artSites Birmingham launch their series VE Day Community Street Parties throughout June & July.
To recapture the spirit of those days, artSites are working with local people to hold community street parties in each of the artSites areas, celebrating the end of the war just as people did in 1945. Although entry is free, residents are urged to book Ration Book tickets to gain entry. There will be a community choir, poetry reminiscences, story telling and if that wasn’t enough free rations! We hope this will bring together all ages and all sections of the wider community, just as the VE Day street parties did, and we’re sure this will be a celebration to remember and a fitting tribute to the important events of 60 years ago.
A mixture of live bands will be playing great original 40’s music, there will also be flags, buntins, food, 40’s dancing and a carnival atmosphere. It’s a way of celebrating and getting the local community together. artSites are involving young and older people working with local artists to make it a creative day too. We would love to hear from across all cultural communities about your stories from this time. We are looking for local residents to get involved with their local artSites community choir (all are welcome regardless of experience) and volunteers (call 0121 440 5213). Those who remember the war can share their reminiscences with the younger generation, stimulating their curiosity and their imaginations. All the stories, artwork and photographs from these sessions and from the party days themselves will be collated into a booklet to commemorate the project.
Events take place at the following venues:
Sunday 19 June 2005 at Rawlins Croft, Castle Vale, 12-4pm
Live entertainment by The Danny Rogers Band, community choir.
Sunday 26 June 2005 at The Broadway, Perry Barr, Bham 12-4pm
Live music by The Swing Kings, Dev Raj Jassal (Rhythms of the Raj)
Saturday 2 July at Perry Beeches artSite, Perry Beeches School, Great Barr
Live music by The Danny Rogers Band, community choir and Splat! Workshop
Sunday 10 July at Colmers Farm Schools Leisure Centre, Bristol Road South
Live music by The Danny Rogers Band, community choir and lots more
Saturday 16 July at Fallindale Road (nr Stanville School & Sheldon Library)
The Danny Rogers Band, community choir and lots more.
Press are invited for photography sessions and interviews with the artists and residents. Please call Sohan Kailey at artSites to arrange this on 0121 440 5213 (email: sohan.kailey@artsites.org.uk)
