In typical make-do-and-mind style, trestle tables were hastily thrown together in the street, dining chairs were commandeered, and a good time had by all.
Today such events require road closure orders and the consent of the local authority, but back in 1945 there were no such worries, and besides hardly anybody had cars.
Songs and celebrations rang out as the country marked the end of six long, hard years of war across our continent. Although for some, who had lost loved ones, the smiles would have masked inner grief, and the general mood was one of relief and gratitude for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
Most of the celebrations were ad-hoc affairs, often organised by extended families, although others, such as the one in Jackfield, were more organised - with the village's brass band providing the music.
Not even the rain, which afflicted part of the day, could dampen the spirits. The war was not over, and people were mindful that fighting continued in the Far East. But the end was in sight, and the people of the county were ready to celebrate.
A 'Victory' banner was stretched across Much Wenlock High Street as the town celebrated Victory in Europe. According to Ina Taylor, author of the 2011 book Much Wenlock Past To Present, Holy Trinity Church and the guildhall were floodlit; sports and tea parties were held along with a thanksgiving service, and at night an effigy of Hitler was burned.Celebrations in Rope Walk, off Beatrice Street, OswestryCelebrating the end of the war at 'The Sump' in Oakengates, around Vicar Street and Church Street, was Jean Edwards, second row, second from right and her friendsVE Day celebrations at The Old Hall, Dorrington, with Ursula Egerton Hine, 18, second from the left, above the flag. She is wearing a black skirt made from blackout material with a bit of added braid. Sitting to her left is Marion Nellhaus, a Jewish refugee who had fled Germany A parade through Whitchurch was held to celebrate the victoryVE Day celebrations in Hereford High TownA party at the Prince of Wales, Bynner Street, Shrewsbury. The girl in the centre is thought to be Mary Yeomans, with her mother standing left with a Mrs Strain. This Victory in Europe celebration street party was being held at Lloyds Head, Jackfield, at 4pm. Ron Miles, who helped set up the tables, was celebrating his 16th birthday.VE Day in Mardol, ShrewsburyNewport's VE Day celebrations started in Springfield Terrace, before rain caused them to move to the garage in Stafford Road. Beryl Lawley, of Station Terrace, Newport, is on the left row of the table, second one in, with the bottom of her face obscured. Her brother Colin Lawley is on the right hand side of the table, seated at the far end.A street party to mark VE Day at Harlescott Close, later Roselyn, Shrewsbury. Glenys Richards. with the ribboned crook, played Bo-Peep, with front left, Michael Richards, and back, third from right in flat cap Peter Richards as Robin Hood. Also in picture is their father. Fred Richards, back row in top hat.Reader Dylis Martin, front, second from left, celebrating with friends in Havelock Road, ShrewsburyA WAAF contingent from RAF camps in and around Oswestry on VE parade through the town on May 8, 1945. Fourth from back on left hand column is Doris Clarke, a radio operator stationed at RAF Rednal.Christine Pemberton, being held by her mother Hilda in the foreground of the picture, was only a few months when these celebrations were held in Station Road, Wem An effigy of Hitler had been prepared for this bonfire in Kimberley Street, WolverhamptonA street party to mark the end of fighting in Europe held in Hollyhedge Road, Walsall. Holding the jug was 20-year-old Florence Aldridge, while wearing the green cardigan opposite was her mother Elizabeth Mountford. Just behind her, in the green pinafore dress, is Elizabeth's other daughter, Gwendoline, and the white-haired figure just visible at the very back was Elizabeth's mother, only known as Mrs Peakman. The young girl, third from front on the right, is Florence's niece Beryl Mountford. The picture was supplied by Florence's son Philip Aldridge, who lives in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton.Rain didn't stop the fun for these children in well-decorated Gordon Street, WolverhamptonA street party was held in Wrights Avenue, HednesfordMayor of West Bromwich Councillor John Grant, seated right, joined residents of' Poultney Street, Harvills Hawthorn for a street partyWalsall serviceman Bernard Benson, top row, sixth from left, celebrating VE Day in GermanyBilston Scouts Group on Parasde on VE DayCelebrations in the garden of a house that stood on the site of St Martin's Church Walsall, opposite the Long Horn pubCheerful neighbours in Walford Avenue, Bradmore, at a street party to celebrate VE day in 1945A victory tea party held on May 24, 1945 in Whitmore Road, Wollaston, StourbridgeA street party in Norton Lane, Great Wyrley on May 12, 1945Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor T W Phillipson pictured with members of the Home Guard contingent celebrating VE Day at MolineuxA street party near Mount Road, Lanesfield, WolverhamptonA photograph of Queen Square in Wolverhampton in May, 1945, when jubilant townsfolk celebrated VE Day, with some even climbing aboard the statue of Prince Albert mounted on his horse A street party in Norton Lane, Great Wyrley on May 12, 1945Bilston Scouts Group on Parade on VE DayMembers of the Women's Royal Army Corps drive their service vehicle through Trafalgar Square waving flags in celebration of victoryResidents of Bright Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, held a massive party to celebrate the end of hostilities. It was supplied by reader Jean Sanders, the three-year-old sitting on the lap of cousin Joan Corfield, immediately right of the flower tub. Also, wearing a turban by the window was Mrs Sanders' mother Gwen Smith.
