A rare Churchill tank exhibit that pays homage to Vauxhall’s significant contribution to the World War II effort will be the showpiece of Luton Council’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
VE Day marks when Britain and its allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender after almost six years of war. 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 on Saturday 10 May and Sunday 11 May.
The free exhibit will be open to the public at the weekend from 10am to 4pm to learn about the history of Vauxhall’s World War II contribution and see the tank up close.
During World War II, the Vauxhall factory in Luton – which this year closed down after 120 years of vehicle manufacturing – 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 the Save Our Town campaign group, 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
A wider civic celebration will also take place on Wednesday, May 8, 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 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.
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