A COUNCIL will travel back to the 1940s after it announced its plans for VE Day in May to commemorate 75 years of peace.

Witney Town Council said that a series of live music events will be hosted in the Market Square, as the celebrations start at 3pm.

Events begin with the playing of Battle’s O’er by pipers across the country and will coincide with the nation’s toast to the country’s World War Two heroes.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are fortunate to have a good number of pubs and bars central to Witney so we are hoping everyone will be able to have a glass of something in their hand for this.

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“While it is a time to remember, reflect and pay tribute to the millions who played such a vital part, both here at home and overseas, it is also a celebration of 75 years of peace.

“At this time, Witney looks forward to a future of continuing international peace and accord, and we hope the mix of events on the day suitably reflects this.”

A picnic will take place in the Market Square, where Witney Town Band and the Voicebox Choir will entertain the crowds.

At 6.55pm, town criers and others will take part in a ‘Cry for peace’, which will also be performed around the world, with cathedral and church bells ringing out in a collective celebration at 7pm.

Witney however will be doing this a little differently as district and town councillor Owen Collins will attempt to orchestrate a street full of bells, including bicycle and hand bells.

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This will begin in High Street and run in a Mexican wave style to the top of Church Green, where St Mary’s Church will ring out a series of bells.

The council is encouraging the public to bring their own bell and join in the musical extravaganza.

The council also said it is keen for the event to be inclusive and welcoming for people of all ages.

Furthermore, the Corn Exchange will be free to use in the evening to any group wishing to organise its own public celebratory event.

Residents are invited to submit their pictures of VE Day to the council via its social media channels before the event to try and build a picture of Witney in 1945.

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These images will be displayed in the Corn Exchange foyer over the weekend, with exact times to be confirmed by the council.

The council is also hoping to see shops and businesses get involved in the celebrations by decorating their windows as a backdrop to the events.

VE Day is on Friday, May 8 with celebrations set to take place across the Bank Holiday weekend.

The May bank holiday was changed last year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.