Hundreds of people in Southampton marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day yesterday following a weekend of festivities.

Four streets in Shirley closed their roads and lined the streets with bunting, gazebos, and food.

Around 100 people enjoyed the early afternoon sunshine in Luccombe Place, as children played archery, football, and cornhole.

Nancy John helped organise the street party, and she told the Echo “the whole road had come together,” to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

She said: “All age ranges have come together to mark today’s special event.

“The youngest person here is four months old and the eldest is 86 years old.

“We had street parties for the Queen’s Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, there’s nothing else quite like this that brings everyone together as it doesn’t happen very often.

“It’s brilliant to see the children enjoying themselves and playing outside, some of them made friends with children who live nearby at previous street parties and it’s lovely to see them out here without having to worry about traffic.”

READ MORE: Southampton residents kick off VE Day 2025 celebrations

The celebrations marking the anniversary commemorate the day allied countries declared victory in Europe during World War II.

Karen Holloway told the Echo that residents of Bridlington Avenue were taking part in 1940s quizzes.

She said: “We’ve got quizzes going on and it’s been brilliant to see so many people involved, for some people it’s the first time they’ve taken part in this kind of thing, and it’s brought the road together.”

Approximately 100 yards away in Dawlish Avenue, Shirley residents were taking part in their own street party that involved music and dance.

Eleven-year-old Sophie had baked a cake to mark the occasion, that saw people of all ages participate.

Dawlish Avenue resident, Sue Kinch, said: “It’s been a fantastic day, everyone knows each other and it’s a really friendly community.

“It’s been brilliant to see so many people here to mark a special occasion.”

Parties took place in Luccombe Place, Pentire Avenue, Bridlington Avenue, and Dawlish Avenue.