Ledbury will proudly mark the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day with a series of commemorative events taking place between Monday 11 August and Sunday 17 August 2025. The town will honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed during the conflict in the Far East—a chapter of World War II often overlooked but deeply significant to many local families.

Exhibition: Those who Served

Running from Monday 11 August to Friday 22 August, the exhibition ‘Those who Served’ will be hosted at St Michael & All Angels Church. The exhibit pays tribute to those who fought and endured hardship in the Far East during WWII, and will be open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

VJ Day Service at the War Memorial

On Friday 15 August at 6:30pm, a service will be held at Ledbury’s War Memorial to commemorate the momentous day in 1945 that marked the end of World War II. The service will include a quarter peal of the Church bells at 6:45pm, performed by a visiting band of experienced bell ringers who traditionally travel across England on annual ringing holidays.

This ringing is particularly meaningful. Members of the band have personal family ties to the war in the Far East—relatives who were imprisoned in Changi, fought on the Burma Railway, or endured occupation in Burma. They will attempt a quarter peal of Grandsire Caters on all 10 bells at St Michael & All Angels an ambitious and rarely attempted method due to its complexity and the need for a full complement of ringers.

“This special peal is a fitting tribute to those who fought and suffered in what was then known as the 'Forgotten War',” said one of the ringers. “It’s heartening to see Ledbury ensuring VJ Day is not forgotten in 2025, just as it was so often overlooked in 1945.”

Church Service

Commemorations will continue with a Church Service at St Michael & All Angels Church on Sunday 17 August at 10:00am. All members of the community are invited to attend and reflect on the legacy of those who served.

VJ Day Poster F