Festival being held in Blackburn to celebrate 80 years since VE Day
The people of Lancashire are invited to a family-friendly day of celebration and remembrance
One of the biggest events to mark VE Day's 80th anniversary in the North West is being held in Blackburn's Witton Country Park today.
Blackburn's Royal British Legion (RBL) have organised VE80 Fest; a family friendly day of celebration and remembrance.
Neil Shorrock, chairman of the Blackburn RBL, said: "80 years ago, the war ended. Nobody wanted the war, but around 60 million people died.
"We've got to commemorate it and we've got to respect it; so that people don't forget those who died for our freedom."
He also spoke about the importance of educating children on the significance of days like today: "If we don't pass it down to the younger people then there's a risk it could be forgotten.
"There's not many veterans left now who served in the war, and we have to pass those stories on."
The event will see as many as 140 attractions and activities, as well as 120 market stalls.
There will also be a stage where performances will take place throughout the day: "There's lots of acts, from the Salvation Army band to some Polish children who will be singing traditional Polish wartime songs.
"Then as we move into the afternoon and evening, we've got tribute acts like Ed Sheeran meatloaf."
VE80 Fest is on between 12pm and 8pm today in Blackburn's Witton Country Park.