RESIDENTS are invited to play their festivities to commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Victory in Europe (VE).

A free VE Day picnic will be held at Easton Gardens, Portland on Saturday, May 9 from 11.30am to 4pm. The gardens are run by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council which is organising the event.

The council has also announced details of this year's military and veterans' festival.

As well as the picnic there will also be a display of historic military vehicles, military memorabilia, music from the era plus lots of family fun, including a ‘VE trail’.

The picnic has been organised by the borough council’s events team to mark the important national commemoration. A similar event was held last year to commemorate D-Day.

Matt Ryan, tourism and events manager, said the success of these special commemoration events is due to the enthusiasm and support of many local people who wish to remember the outstanding contribution that veterans made to safeguard our nation.

He added: “I’m delighted to announce the programme for the 70th anniversary of VE day at Easton Gardens on Portland.

“It is important that we take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our armed forces and many civilian organisations and to remember those who gave so much for our freedom.”

This year marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day, when Second World War Allied forces defeated Hitler's Nazi troops on the continent - and could be one of the last major anniversaries for many veterans.

Dorset residents are encouraged to bring along a picnic, support local businesses and enjoy entertainment provided by a range of musical acts.

The Weymouth Concert Brass will be performing from 11.30am until 12.10pm, Bittersweet Harmony and the Carefree Choir from 12.15pm until 1.15pm, and a sing-a-long will take place at 1.30pm. The Decadettes will show off their talent at 2.15pm while a war time sing-a-long with Rick Winterburn will be held at 2.45pm.

Preparations are also underway for Weymouth and Portland’s Armed Forces Day Celebrations, supported by the Ministry of Defence and organised by the borough council’s events team.

The celebrations this year take place between June 20 and 26 and will honour Britain’s armed forces of the past and present.

They will feature a major seafront veterans parade, a military themed re-enactment display on Weymouth Beach, military vehicle displays and convoy and military marching band performances.