County Town Marks VE Day at Hertford Castle

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and Hertford Town Council is hosting an event for the County Town to mark the milestone on Bank Holiday Friday 8th May at Hertford Castle. An Art and Literature competition inspired by World War II is also being launched.

The free of charge event on 8^th May starts at 12noon and runs until 3.15pm.

Hertford Castle will be open to the public for the first time this year and visitors can explore the Downshire Suite, the Robing Room and themed basement rooms including a dungeon, armoury display, courtroom and Victorian kitchen.  Activities on the day will be:

• Special exhibitions will include Hertford Museum’s WWII artefacts and memorabilia. Other exhibitions on display will include photographs and story boards detailing the lives of local Hertfordshire WWII soldiers.
• An array of old fashioned games, entertainment, activities and stalls will be available within the castle grounds, including a performance stage where local groups will be performing songs from the era.
• WWII-era vintage cars will be displayed on the castle lawn, including a 1930’s Austin and 1940’s Jeep.
• McMullen’s Brewery will provide visitors with a complimentary toasting drink as part of The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of the Second World War at 3pm.
• Food and Drink stalls.  The Mayor’s chosen charities, Herts Young Homeless and Carers in Hertfordshire, will also be running an afternoon tea stall with proceeds going to their two charities.
• The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters will be running a ‘Make do and Mend’ stall and will also reveal their next installation at the event, which will be within the Castle grounds.
• The North Road Plot Holders will be running a ‘Dig for Victory’ themed stall with activities and information.

An Art and Literature Competition will take place prior to the event and launch on 24^th February. Children, teens and adults are invited to submit a piece of art or a piece of writing (fiction/non-fiction) by 20^th April, inspired by World War II. Shortlisted artwork and literature will be displayed at Hertford Castle during the event, and winners will be announced by the Mayor of Hertford.

Entry to the competition is free of charge and entries can be handed in to the Town and Tourist Information Centre or the reception at Hertford Castle. Written pieces can be emailed to katie.goldthorpe@hertford.gov.uk. All entries much include name, contact details and age.

Entry to the event is free of charge, no registration is required, charity donations are welcome.