Turriff planning 1940s fun for VE Day celebrations

An event which draws thousands of people to Turriff each year will take on a new format as the town joins people up and down the country in celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day - the day that the Nazis surrendered and brought an end to World War II.

The town normally hosts a May Day Monday extravaganza featuring an array of stalls, entertainment, competitions and attractions however after a well-attended meeting of community groups it has been agreed that celebrations will this year take place on Friday, May 8, with various activities running from the morning into the evening.

Deveron FM will be on hand to play 40s tunes and the town centre will be pedestrianised to allow people to try the various activities which will likely include a scavenger hunt, 1940's-style games, and a fancy dress competition.

Entertainment from local dancers, Turriff And District Pipe Band and Turriff Silver Band was also discussed at the meeting, as well as the possibility of a pageant of floats and a parade of the local uniformed organisations all of which it is hoped will garner the support to go ahead.

The highlight of the day for many will be a street party in the afternoon, where people can celebrate the occasion with their 'rations' of cakes and sandwiches.

It is intended that the day will feature a number of events which are taking place up and down the country, including The Last Post, a Toast To The Nation, the Cry For Peace Around The World and the church bells ringing out to signal the end of the war.

There will be no stalls at this year's event, but it is anticipated that the traditional May Day extravaganza format will return to the town in 2021.

A coffee morning is being held in Turriff Legion on Saturday February 22 to raise money to help make the VE Day celebrations possible, and other fundraisers may also be planned in early spring.

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