A special day of celebration, remembrance and community spirit was held in St Austell last week as the town marked the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day on Thursday, August 14.

As well as celebrating the end of the Second World War in true 1940s style and fashion, St Austell also commemorated those who served and sacrificed during the war and whose families were affected by the outcomes.

The day began with a youth parade setting off from St John’s Methodist Church to Holy Trinity Church, on the Remembrance Day route, led by Kernow Pipes and Drums.

At the 11am service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, the High Sheriff of Cornwall, the MP for St Austell and Newquay, the mayor of St Austell and the chairman of the Royal British Legion branch.

VJ Day St Austell 2.
Kernow Pipes and Drums in the parade. (Picture: Paul Williams / St Austell Town Council)
VJ Day St Austell 4.
Notability Community Choir impressed the crowds. (Picture: Paul Williams / St Austell Town Council)

Kernow Pipes and Drums and Notability Community Choir then gave stirring musical renditions at the church.

The town held a substantial and lively fun day which saw the community visit White River Place for a day of free activities for all the family.

VJ Day St Austell 3.
Company B performing on Alymer Square. (Picture: Paul Williams / St Austell Town Council)
VJ Day St Austell 7.
The Red Apple Honeys performed on the day. (Picture: Paul Williams / St Austell Town Council)

Organised by St Austell Town Council, St Austell Business Improvement District (BID) and the White River Place shopping complex, the town centre was packed with rides, displays, games, entertainment, musical performances, dancing, stalls, military hardware and artefacts.

VJ Day St Austell 8.
Studio 4 provided dance session at White River Place. (Picture: Paul Williams / St Austell Town Council)

The 1940s-style entertainment saw the renowned band Company B, along with the Red Apple Honeys, perform on Alymer Square, while dance sessions from Studio 4 and the St Austell Line Dancers also impressed the packed crowd.

The commemorative event marked 80 years of peace with vibrance, history and heartfelt community spirit.

Councillor Colin Hamilton, mayor of St Austell said: “It was fantastic to see so many people in the town enjoying themselves and supporting our local businesses.

“My particular thanks to White River Place, St Austell BID, Holy Trinity Church and the Royal British Legion for their assistance in putting the event together.

“Over £700 was raised for the Mayor’s charities, Gover Community Larder and a Band of Brothers.”