Road closure fee waived for VE Day 80 street parties

Richmond Council calls on communities across the borough to come together to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe by celebrating with street parties.

Victory in Europe Day – known as VE Day – marks the penultimate chapter in the Second World War when fighting came to an end in Europe.

VE Day is on Thursday 8 May 2025, however, the early May bank holiday on Monday 5 May is being dedicated to nationwide community celebrations and Richmond Council has issued a rallying call for communities across the borough to hold their own street parties, reminiscent of the celebrations that took place 80 years earlier.

The Council has agreed to waive the cost of closing roads on 3, 4 or 5 May. This includes the cost of the statutory adverts required to make drivers aware. Neighbours and resident groups will only have to find the cost of hiring ‘road closed’ signage.

Richmond Council previously waived the fees for street closures to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation with almost 200 street parties taking place across Richmond upon Thames, demonstrating the borough’s community spirit.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a special moment for us to come together, remember the courageous sacrifices of the fallen, and celebrate the arrival of peace in Europe, just as people did at the time.

“The 75th anniversary came during the first COVID-19 lockdown, so we really want to support neighbours and communities to celebrate and commemorate VE Day 80 by joining together to enjoy food and music, echoing the celebrations that rang out across our nation 80 years ago.”

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, added: “We’ve made it as easy as possible to apply for a road closure so people can host street parties like those on the very first VE Day. Please apply in good time so that we can carry out the necessary work behind the scenes.”

In the coming weeks, Richmond Council will be providing more information on opportunities to celebrate VE Day 80 across the borough.

The deadline for street party applications is Sunday 6 April 2025.