Discover Halifax supports VE Day Weekend at The Piece Hall
This May bank holiday, Halifax is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full weekend of celebration, remembrance and community spirit — and Discover Halifax is proud to be supporting the event through our Event Match-Funding Scheme, as well as delivering a brand-new Living History display.
Running from Saturday 3 May to Monday 5 May, the VE Day Weekend at The Piece Hall will feature live music, dancing, period dress, themed food and drink, and a chance to step back in time with an interactive display that brings wartime Europe to life.
Living History Comes to Halifax
Discover Halifax has invited several specialist living history groups to take part, including the Soviet Affairs Living History Group, known nationally for their accurate and engaging portrayals of the Eastern Front.
Visitors will be able to explore original wartime artefacts, uniforms and propaganda, and hear real stories from across the Allied nations — from Britain and the Commonwealth to Poland, Yugoslavia, and the USSR.
“We’re really excited to be part of our first event in Halifax — especially one that brings so many different living history groups together,” said Harvey Elliott, Recruitment Secretary for Soviet Affairs. “It’s a brilliant opportunity to offer the public a unique, hands-on learning experience for VE Day.”
This powerful addition to the weekend adds depth to the celebrations, while helping people of all ages connect with the past in an engaging and accessible way.
“Events like this help bring Halifax to life while supporting the local economy,” said Aesha Veremu at Discover Halifax. “VE Day Weekend will do just that — and more.”
A boost for Halifax town centre
With up to 10,000 visitors expected each day, the VE Day Weekend is set to have a major impact on the town centre, bringing in families, tourists, and history enthusiasts. Businesses across the town centre — from cafés and restaurants to shops, car parks and public transport — are likely to benefit from the extra footfall.
A full weekend programme of events and activities is planned to encourage visitors to dwell longer in town, supporting our local economy while celebrating Halifax’s growing reputation for top-quality events.
Want to run your own event?
The VE Day Weekend is supported through our Discover Halifax Event Match-Funding Scheme — which helps local businesses and organisations bring their own events to life.
Applications are now open for events taking place between July and September 2025, with up to £1,000 in match funding available.
Deadline to apply: 10AM on 19th May
Find out more and apply here: Event Match Funding
