Whitechapel Village Hall is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a free community event.
The family fun day will take place on Monday 5 May from 11am to 3.30pm.
Blog Preston spoke to event organiser Sandra Booth about what visitors can expect, why she believes a community celebration is a fitting way to mark the anniversary, and plans for the future of the hall.
“Our family fun day will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, and more.
“Fun Valley will be kindly providing inflatables for the children to enjoy. Entertainment will come from a number of performers have generously offered their time to support the event, including King’s Dance Academy, Show Choir NW, Garstang Ukulele Band, and Morris Dance and Folk Band Society.
“The event is open to everyone, from our local community and surrounding area to those from further afield – all are welcome.”
Read more: Preston venue Chew’s Yard to celebrate first birthday with five days of free events
Visitors are encouraged to dress up in 1940s-style clothing to add to the fun, and there will be an award for the best costume. Raffle tickets will also be available to buy, with prizes being donated by the likes of Booths and Barton Grange.
Sandra, who has been part of Whitechapel Village Hall Management for the past few years, emphasised the importance of community in the celebration.
“It’s important for us to celebrate this day, as without the victory we may not be enjoying our freedom as we have it right now.
“Our aim is to bring everyone together, so people can get to know their neighbours and people from nearby villages. We want to celebrate together as we did during Jubilee.”
Read more: New coffee spot Brew Crew opens by Haslam Park in Ashton
Since joining the management team, Sandra has been working hard to turn the village hall into a hub for the local community.
Events so far this year have included paper crafting during February half-term, and a first-ever wedding fayre in March.
Sandra hopes these initiatives will not only encourage more local people to use the venue, but also promote it as a venue for weddings and other celebrations.
“When I moved here five years ago, I noticed there was a lack of things to do,” said Sandra. “I got to know my neighbours and since then, I felt like I could do a bit more to help the village.
“The village hall has a lot of potential. It has big rooms, a bar and kitchen, multi-use ground, bowling green, and large space for parking. I would like it to become the go-to place for celebrations and events.”
Located in Church Lane, the hall is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, and has views to Beacon Fell and the Fylde.
However, Sandra believes the venue could benefit from a makeover, and hopes to play her part in this by creating future events to bring more people in.
She said: “The family fun day is free entry, but donations are welcome. Every little bit of funding we hope to raise would mean a lot to help us improve our village hall.”
To find out more, visit the Whitechapel Village Hall website.
A year of culture: How your support helped Blog Preston deliver daily arts coverage
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
