South Kesteven District Council is offering grants for community groups organising commemorations on or around the summer’s 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan.
The new Commemorative Events Scheme Fund offers grants of up to £2,000 to fund events including street parties and beacon lightings.
It supports May’s national programme to commemorate the cessation of WWII hostilities in Europe in May 1945, with a website suggesting ways for communities to participate: www.ve80.com
Events in August for the commemoration of Victory in Japan Day (August 15) will also be eligible.
Events must take place within one week of either VE Day (before or after 8th May 2025) or VJ Day (before or after 15th August 2025).
Cllr Phil Dilks, SKDC Cabinet Member for Armed Forces, said: “These are incredibly important anniversaries for us all to mark and remember their significance for our peace and freedom. I am delighted that we can support communities to stage their own events.”
The new scheme is a time-limited pot of funding and grants which will be awarded on a first come, first served basis with early application advised to avoid disappointment.
Whilst applications for grants up to a maximum of £2,000 are accepted, awards of up to £1,000 per event will be viewed favourably.
The fund will close for applications for VE Day Events on 14th April 2025 and 21st July for VJ Day Events.
Application forms from communityengagement@southkesteven.gov.uk
