On the 15 August 1945, the nation celebrated the end of the Second World War with victory over Japan.

Today, the city marked VJ Day with a service on the Market Place, led by the Revd Michael Futers, Acting Precentor of Derby Cathedral, and attended by Council Leaders and other dignitaries.

As part of the service, wreaths were laid at the city war memorial by Cllr Nadine Peatfield as Leader of the Council as well as Cllr Ajit Atwal (Mayor of the City of Derby), Cllr Baggy Shanker (MP for Derby South), Rachel Morris (Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire), Revd Michael Futers (Derby Cathedral), and a local veteran.

The service coincided with a national minute silence to remember the immense sacrifices made during the Second World War.

Alongside this act of remembrance, a special commemorative service will take place at Derby Cathedral, which will reflect the profound and long-term impact of the war in the Far East on those who served there, as well as the complex way in which the war ended.

Cllr Ajit Atwal, Mayor of the City of Derby, said:

As we mark VJ Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who made sacrifices for the cause of freedom. The fighting in the far east featured horrors we can hardly imagine, so it is right that we remember, with gratitude, those who faced them.

The scene was very different 80 years ago, where the city erupted in celebration at the end of the war. Historic editions of the Derby Evening Telegraph, which can be viewed at the Local Studies Library, paint a vivid picture of the jubilant scenes in Derby.

Celebrations took place in the Market Place, running into the early hours as people joined for community singing and from the Rolls Royce Works Band and the Band of the Sherwood Foresters.

The celebrations were not confined to the Market Place, with bands performing in Darley Park, Normanton Park, Alvaston Park and Markeaton Park, and the Salvation Army conducting a thanksgiving service at the Riverside Gardens.

The significance of the occasion was not lost on decision makers, with the Midland Counties Collier Owners’ Association permitting a 48-hour holiday period, while Derby Magistrates extended drinking hours to 11pm. Premises licensed for dancing and music were also allowed to remain open until 1am.

The Local Studies Library holds numerous items from VJ Day, including Newspapers, letters, and photos. The library is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday. You can find out more on the Derby Libraries website.