VJ Day marks the anniversary of 15 August 1945 when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces. The surrender was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the Second World War was finally over. While millions took part in parades and street parties, there was also great sadness - the human cost was enormous and many eagerly awaited the safe return of loved ones. Over 90,000 British troops were casualties in the war against Japan - 30,000 died and 37,500 were held as prisoners of war. For hundreds of thousands of service personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth, it would take many months to be reunited with loved ones, some of whom they hadn’t seen for more than five years. On Friday, 15 August, Medway will honour the 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War.
Flag raising
On Friday 15 August, the Mayor of Medway, Councillor Trevor Clarke, will lead a ceremonial flag-raising at Gun Wharf.
Visitors with tickets to the Historic Dockyard Chatham are invited to the commemoration at their iconic site, deeply rooted in Medway’s military history on Friday, 15 August. There, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a short film showcasing our Peace Poem - written by a local artist in collaboration with the people of Medway - followed by a ceremonial flag raising and a cadet march.
This event commemorates Victory Over Japan Day, the 80th anniversary of the day Japan surrendered, which ended the Second World War.
Summer Proms @ Fort Amherst
20th July - 31st August 2025
Every Sunday from 20th July - 31st August Fort Amherst, thanks to funding from Medway Council, will have FREE live music in their Spur Battery Amphitheatre from 2pm - 4pm.
Bring a chair and a picnic or alternatively new for 2025 you can reserve one of our picnic benches and we can bring the picnic to you! Book here.
Picnic includes baguette, with a selection of cheeses, meats, pate and chutneys, along with our homemade scones, clotted cream and jam, finished off with strawberries and cream and a bottle of Prosecco.
Hoo & Chattenden Parish Council Beacon Lighting
Kingshill Recreation Ground, Hoo on Friday, 15 August
This is a beacon lighting only and all are welcome to join us as we remember VJ Day and all those involved. Please bring a chair if you need to sit and a torch to light your way. The Beacon will be lit at 8:45pm.
Please note, there will be no catering or toilets on site.
Recognise: Remembering and honouring the African and Caribbean heroes of WW2
Saturday, 16 August, doors at 10am with the talk at 11am to 3.30pm. Free lunch is served from 12.30 to 2pm.
Medway African and Caribbean Association warmly invites you to join them in recognising and honouring the African and Caribbean contribution to WW2 as part of VJ Day celebrations at the Royal Engineers Museum with another fascinating interactive talk with David Lawrence.
Official website of Visit Medway, Medway Council