Gwydir Street VE Day party

Celebrating the end of World War II

Over 75 years ago, when the end of World War II was declared in a broadcast speech to the nation by Prime Minister Winston Churchill on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), 8th May 1945, flags were flown from the Guildhall on Cambridge market place and the city was filled with jubilant crowds.

Over the following weeks, there were street parties held locally, welcoming home family members who had served in the armed forces.

This photo (above) was taken on Gwydir Street in May 1945 when the residents gathered together to celebrate VE Day. The vicar of St Barnabas Church is standing in the foreground closest to those in uniform seated in pride of place at the head of the table, with residents standing nearby. There are children seated smiling, excited by the refreshments.

In the background is an air raid shelter, which was located in the street just past the Cambridge Blue pub on the side of the road leading towards the Alexandra Arms.

Air raid shelter on Gwydir Street. Image courtesy of George Dethridge & Jo Edkins.

This photo shared by George Dethridge was taken with his cousin and other children who were evacuees from London by the brick air raid shelter close by where they lived at number 60 Gwydir Street.

STREET PARTIES ON GWYDIR STREET

Gwydir Street has garnered a reputation over the years for organising Summer parties on the street for the local residents, including for Jubilee and coronation celebrations.  Find out more about the street parties here.