Salvation Army bands to lead VE Day concert

People in Leigh-on-Sea are being invited to a massed brass band concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month.

Bands from the church and charity in Leigh and Southend will join The Southend Band on Saturday 3 May at the Leigh Wesley Methodist Church at 7pm for an evening of 1940s sing-a-long medleys, military marches, favourite hymns and a Proms finale.

Gordon Parkhill attends The Salvation Army in Leigh-on-Sea and is one of the co-authors of Spirit of The Sea, a book covering the history of The Salvation Army in the town since 1902.

He said more than 20 members from the church served in the army during the second world war, including three bandsmen who never returned home.

“This is an important part of our history and during the second world war, all Salvation Army churches were asked to keep in touch with their corps on active service. Percy Langton was the corps secretary and worked tirelessly to make sure he corresponded with all those serving at home or abroad. 

“It is important to have these celebrations but also to stop and remember those who didn’t come back. This concert not only honours the legacy of VE Day but also reminds us of the power of music to bring people together in gratitude and hope.”

Gordon’s wife Margaret remembers VE Day as an eight-year-old girl in West London.

She said: “I remember the street parties down our road. We had trestle tables down the middle of the street, party food and flags to wave. I also remember going into London with my father and looking at everyone who had come to celebrate. I’m sure the evening will be a real opportunity to remember the past and look forward with hope.”

Fellow church member Jean Cattermole was just five on VE Day but still has vivid memories growing up in Scotland at the time.

She said: “I was told we were going to have a party so I kept asking whose birthday it was! Everyone was using tissue paper to make Union Jacks and men were coming back decorated with flags in tears – everyone came out to greet them and it is something I will never forget.”

Jean’s husband Brian said he hoped many people would attend the concert.

He said: “VE Day was a time that brought communities together to share in remembrance and gratitude and I hope that this event will create a sense of unity and shared history.”

Admission to the concert is £5 on the door. Children admitted free.