Overview

• In Southampton, the Lord Mayor lit a VJ Day beacon at Holyrood Church after a city parade, with speakers honoring the Pacific campaign and victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• The Isle of Wight held a week of activities, including a bus museum exhibit, a beacon in East Cowes and a county ceremony that observed the national two‑minute silence.
• Witney marked the anniversary by saluting Britain’s 'forgotten army' through a town crier’s proclamation, flag‑raising, wreath‑laying and a tribute at a POW memorial bench.
• Westhoughton’s Royal British Legion led a memorial service with wreaths, prayers and a minute’s silence before an open community tea at the rugby club.
• Care homes and social clubs hosted 1940s‑themed gatherings, including a Wimborne tea party and a Hoylake event that welcomed residents to share memories.