The historic Churchill Mark III tank, normally housed at The Tank
Museum and owned by The Churchill Trust, will be displayed in St George's
Square, Luton. This
rare opportunity to see such an
important piece of local military history up close is not to be missed.
The free exhibit will be open to the public on Saturday 10 May
from 12pm to 6pm and Sunday 11 May from 10am to 4pm. Residents and visitors
from far and wide are invited to come and learn about the history of Vauxhall's
WW2 contribution and see the tank up close.
During World War II, the Vauxhall factory in Luton played a
crucial role in the Allied victory, suspending regular car production in May
1940 to focus entirely on the war effort. The factory produced over 5,600
Churchill tanks and approximately 250,000 lorries that were vital to military
operations.
Experts will be on hand throughout the weekend to share
information about the tank and Vauxhall's wartime contributions. Visitors will
discover fascinating stories about Luton's industrial heritage and its
significance during this pivotal time in history.
A vintage and jazz singer will also perform live themed music
between 1pm and 4pm both days, transporting visitors back to the sounds that
defined the era. Children’s activities will also be available.
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Executive Leader of Luton Council said:
"We're incredibly proud to bring this rare Churchill tank exhibit to Luton
as we commemorate VE Day. This is a unique opportunity for our community to
connect with a significant piece of our local heritage. Vauxhall's remarkable
contribution to the war effort shaped not only our town's history but helped
secure victory for the Allied forces.”
“I'd like to invite all residents and visitors to come and enjoy
the range of activities on offer throughout the town’s VE Day
celebrations."
Andy
King, from Save Our Town, added: "Save Our Town is delighted to support
this event and see the Churchill tank return home to Luton for this special
occasion. It’s vitally important to tell the untold stories of how Luton's
industrial heritage played such a vital role in the Allied victory.”
“This
exhibit provides a rare opportunity for current generations to connect with an
important chapter in our town's history and understand the scale of Luton’s
wartime contribution."
The weekend celebrations will also feature a special VE Day outdoor
cinema at Hat Gardens on Bute Street on Sunday 11 May. The programme includes
golden-age classics from the 1930s and 40s:
- 'Bambi' (1942) at 10am
- 'The Wizard of Oz'
(1939) at 12pm
- 'The Adventures of Robin
Hood' (1938) at 2pm
This selection of timeless films is ideal for families, offering a
perfect opportunity to experience cinema history together in Luton Town
Centre’s pocket park.
All events are free to attend and are funded by the government's
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
A
wider civic celebration will also take place on Thursday 8 May to commemorate
VE Day itself. The event will be hosted by Luton's Mayor, Councillor Tahmina
Saleem, from 9pm to 9.30pm on the steps of the Luton Town Hall.
The
ceremony will feature a mix of music, readings and prayers, culminating in the
lighting of the beacon and singing the hymn 'I Vow to Thee My Country'
The
Luton Mayor will also host The Mayor’s VE 5aside football tournament at Power
League Luton on Saturday 10 May. Teams are invited to enter by 30 April and can
find out more, by emailing [email protected].
The celebrations extend further, with Luton Council using external
grant funding to enhance the Luton Rising sponsored Wardown Bandstand events
with special VE and VJ Day themed performances later in the summer:
- Sunday 22 June, 3-5pm:
'Victory in Europe' Programme with Luton Brass Band plus vintage vocalist
Fiona Harrison performing popular songs from the era
- Sunday 17 August, 2-7pm:
Jazz on a Summer’s Day with Rob Mach and Friends Inc. featuring the Oxford
Lindy Hoppers performing authentic 1940s swing dancing that became popular
during the war years
For more information on these VE and VJ celebrations, as well as
other events happening across the town, visit luton.gov.uk/VE-VJ.
