VE & VJ Parties: photos of Gosports' celebrations
YourSpace (previously the Imagination Refinery), 51-52 The High Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1DF
The Gosport Area Facebook Group brings you a selection of members' photographs of community celebrations held in the streets and parks, marking these two momentous occasions in 1945.
Despite the years of war, with all the loss and hardship that it brought to people, the party atmosphere can be seen in full swing, with long tables laden with food (rations contributed by all in the community), children in their party clothing, and neighbours joined in celebration.
What stresses of wartime might you perceive in the faces of people in the photos? What was on the minds of the children at those parties?
If you were there, or have just heard family stories of the parties, we would love you to come along and share any memories with us. Bring your street party photo, just in case it is not already on our boards, for us to scan into our collection.
We'll also show various other VE-VJ Day anniversary street parties, held over the years to commemorate those of 1945, most recently this year for the 80th.
The original children and babies may have grown into parents or grandparents in more modern photos, but they are still keeping the spirit alive and passing the meaning on to children, for all of our tomorrows.
Please note that another exhibition will also be showing at this venue. 'Heave! Stories of Gosport and Sail Training' will be displayed on the walls at YourSpace, so please enjoy viewing these too.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Tuesday 16 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Wednesday 17 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Thursday 18 September:
- 1000 - 1600
- Friday 19 September:
- 1000 - 1600
Location & directions
YourSpace (previously the Imagination Refinery), 51-52 The High Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1DF
- Directions:
- In the pedestrianised High Street. 3-minute walk from ferry/bus interchange. Car parks close by.
- Contact on day:
- Terry Rhodes
- Telephone number:
- +447932732865
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Fully accessible venue for wheelchairs, pushchairs; Accessible toilet; basic refreshments by donation; nearest Changing Places (facility for youths and adults with high care needs) just a few minutes walk away at Gosport Discovery Centre or Gosport Museum and Art Gallery.
Additional information
All photographs displayed have been added to 'Dave Rowland's Gosport Area: memories & photos, past & present' Facebook Group by its members. Started in 2013 by the late Dave Rowland, who knew nothing about social media, but stuck a few pics up and invited friends. Within a few months, there were some 10k members, from all corners of the world, all with connections to Gosport. Despite Dave's death some years ago, his Gosport Area Facebook group continue in his name, and has 22k members with links to Gosport.
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
