VE Day: How Scarborough celebrated in 1945 as the War in Europe was over

Many had lost loved ones and friends. Others had endured the heartache of separation.

They had gone without the most basic of foods, done the most unlikely of jobs, and forgotten what it was like to have a spending spree.

Now, suddenly, this was their big moment. The war in Europe was over.

Despite the sudden announcement on May 7 about the cessation of hostilities, by midday on VE Day, May 8 1945, Scarborough’s main streets and public buildings were

bedecked with bunting and flags galore.

In exceptionally warm weather, large crowds thronged the streets and converged on the South Bay sands.

Several informal street victory parties were held on VE Day and VE Day Plus One.

Northstead, Eastfield, Barrowcliff, Edgehill, the Avenues, Newby, the Old Town ... numerous parties were held around the town.

In spite of wartime rationing, there was no shortage of food for the guests as people raidedtheir store cupboards and some shops rewarded loyal customers by chipping in with free supplies.

VE Day and VE Day Plus One (May 9) were national holidays. Schools, offices and shops – except food shops – were closed.

There were three church services on VE Day at St Mary’s, plus a similar number at Christ Church in Vernon Road and St Paul’s Chapel in Regent Street.

Scarborough’s only official ceremony on VE Day was a civic one, held in Town Hall Gardens. It attracted a sizeable crowd of spectators, braving the heavy rain that fell in the early afternoon.

The historic event began at 4pm when a mini-procession of dignitaries, led by the Chief Constable, marched from the Town Hall’s terrace across the gardens to a dais fronting St Nicholas Street.

Using a microphone, mayor Alderman George Pindar read part of the Prime Minister’s proclamation that the War in Europe had ended. A short religious service followed which included an emotional National Anthem.

Music before and after the service was provided by the Band of the Royal Marines from the Royal Naval School of Music, which was based in Scarborough from 1941 to 1946.

With the formalities over, it was time for local people to round off the day with a night on the town.

A VE Day Victory Dance was held in the Olympia Ballroom on Foreshore Road from 9pm to 1am, and attracted more than 1,000 people.