Council marks 75th VJ Day anniversary with a respectful act of remembrance in Horsham

Horsham District Council’s Chairman Cllr Karen Burgess led a simple wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Horsham’s Carfax on the morning of the VJ Day 75^th anniversary on Saturday 15 August 2020.

She was accompanied by Jeremy Quin MP, the Vice Chairman Cllr David Skipp and Cabinet Member for Horsham Town Centre Cllr Peter Burgess.

On this day 75 years ago Japan surrendered and in effect ended the Second World War.

Traditional events which would normally happen to commemorate this day with live audiences were unable to take place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic this year.

To commemorate and celebrate VJ Day 2020, the Council, in partnership with Silvertip films has recorded a special celebratory performance by veteran musician Alan Woolven from Horsham’s Carfax bandstand.

The video performance will be premiered on Horsham Time Well Spent's Facebook page for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, BBC South Today TV cameras came along to video the bandstand performance and will screen the performance as part of a tribute concert on 15 August.

The performance features a duo act with local resident Alan Woolven, who was born in Horsham and played piano and accordion in local concerts during the war, as well as Horsham diva Sarah Esser, singing in honour of VJ Day.

Visit www.discoverhorshamdistrict.co.uk for more ways to get involved online and to see a list of ‘things to do at home’ so you can take part in the commemorations.

For media queries please email us at press@horsham.gov.uk .