VE Day Family Trail in Southend

May 2, 2025

To commemorate VE Day 2025, families in Southend can enjoy a fun day out with a free, family-friendly trail brought to you by Southend City BID.

Local artist, CHALK of the TOWN, will create bunting window displays that contain a letter as part of the trail that runs from Friday 2nd – Sunday 18th May. Participants will have to visit all nine venues in the city centre to spell out a word and can then submit this for a chance to win a prize.

Southend City BID Manager, Suzanne Gloyne, commented “The trail helps mark the 80 th anniversary of VE Day and creates an opportunity to discuss the Second World War with kids whilst enjoying a free day out in the city centre.

We’re pleased to be working with a local artist to produce this and thanks to our sponsors at Southend Theatres, participants are also in with the chance to win four tickets to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Cliffs Pavilion!”

Starring X-Factor winner Joe McElderry as the roof-raising Pharaoh, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to Southend from the 17th – 22nd June.

Nick Parr, Theatre Director Southend Theatres, said “Southend Theatres are delighted to support the VE trail and hope that lots of families take the opportunity to explore our City during May.”

VE Day takes place on Thursday 8th May 2025 and the council will be holding a Beacon Lighting Ceremony by the Cenotaph at Clifftown Parade.

To find out more on the trail you can head to www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/ve-day-trail, or take a look at the Southend City BID social media channels for the latest updates.