Flower beds in popular parks mark 80th anniversary of end of WW2

Floral tributes to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War ll have taken centre stage at award-winning parks in Stafford and Stone.

The flowers in the carpet beds at Victoria Park in Stafford (pictured) and Stonefield Park in Stone have been designed to commemorate ‘Victory in Europe’ (VE) and ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ) in 1945. 

The parks have previously commemorated major events - such as the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and a tribute to the coronation of King Charles III in the summer of 2023 - as well as honouring the NHS, armed forces and several charities and organisations that do great work to benefit the borough - including the Samaritans last year.

2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War - with VE Day earlier this month and VJ Day on 15 August 1945 - and the Royal British Legion logo is at the centre of the carpet bed design.

Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, Gillian Pardesi, said the decision to decorate the carpet beds to mark the anniversary was an extremely easy one. 

“We wanted to provide another opportunity for people to remember those who gave their service and sacrifice, both at home and abroad.

“Both parks are very much loved and attract thousands of residents, families and visitors. They have also been nationally recognised for their quality, and this will be a fitting tribute to encourage people to remember those who sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Both borough council run parks hold ‘Green Flag’ awards - the national yardstick for the best open spaces in the country.

Earlier this year a light and sound display was projected onto the iconic Grade ll* listed Shire Hall in Stafford - as part of the 80th year commemorations - and a service is planned next month (June) at St Mary’s Church in Stafford to pay tribute to those who gave their lives and made sacrifices in WW2.

Residents across the borough held street parties, with the borough council waiving fees for road closures, and activities took place in historic buildings in the borough to commemorate the special anniversary earlier this month.