A NOSTALGIC community event helped Rugby to capture the spirit of VJ Day on its 80th anniversary.
Families brought food and blankets to Caldecott Park on Friday (August 15) for a Picnic in the Park, to recreate the atmosphere of VJ Day in 1945 when Japan’s surrender brought the Second World War to an end.
Visitors enjoyed a range of vintage garden games, including skittles and a coconut shy, while the council’s Play Rangers brought a host of fun and games to proceedings, including a scavenger hunt, a sensory tent and a bubble factory.
It was set to a soundtrack of music from the park’s bandstand.
Later on VJ Day, Mayor Barbara Brown attended a Sunset Service at the Hillmorton War Memorial, where residents lit tea-lights to commemorate the anniversary.
She said: “While VJ Day was a time for celebration in 1945, it remains a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom during the Second World War.”
