How Moray will be marking VE Day?

The defeat of Hitler and the Nazis 80 years ago is going to be celebrated in style across Moray over the following few days.

VE Day on May 8, 1945, was a moment of immense relief after years of restrictions, privations and living under the threat of invasion.

While rationing would not end completely until nearly a decade after the war, it was a day of symbolic importance that pointed forward to better times.

Below is a far from exhaustive list of the events taking place to mark its 80th anniversary:

Sunday, May 4:

Cullen Church Hall will host a service at 11am.

Wednesday, May 7:

Keith memorial will be decorated with "We Will Meet Again" tartan and that has been knitted with 3000 poppies thanks to the Keith Kilt & Textile Centre and its supporters

Thursday, May 8:

• Moray Council HQ will raise the VE 80 flag at 10am.

• Keith Memorial will host a 20-minute service and wreath laying at 10:30am, with the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders Association in attendance.

• The Women's Land Army Memorial in Clochan will have a wreath laying at 11am.

• St Giles Church in Elgin will host a service at 2pm.

• Gurness Circle in Elgin will hold a street party from 2pm-4pm.

• Residents at Spynie Care Home in Elgin will be served wartime-themed food and listen to music from the era at a party starting at 2.30pm. Several cars from the 1940s will also be on display.

• Bell ringing will occur at various locations, including Hopeman Kirk, Dallas Church, and others, at 6:30pm.

• The Forres Tolbooth will raise the VE Day 80 flag at 6.30pm.

• Beacons will be lit at Lossiemouth East Beach and Findhorn Pier at 9.30pm.

Friday, May 9:

The Royal British Legion in Keith will host a concert featuring the Country Quines, Keith and District Silver Band and the Keith Primary School choir who will be dressed in evacuee outfits. Doors open 5.45pm for a 6.30pm start.

Saturday, May 10:

• Smith Drive in Elgin will be closed to traffic from 10am-6pm while a street party takes place.

• Coffee mornings will be held at various locations, including Keith Primary School, Duffus Village Hall and Hopeman Memorial Hall.

• Keith and Dufftown Railway will be handing out complimentary cupcakes to passengers both this day and the next. Sponsored by the Keith Rotary.

Sunday, May 11:

A 20-minute service will take place at the Highlanders Memorial in Fochabers at 11am.