A £9,500 Lottery grant will support VE Day anniversary celebrations in Warrington.

The grant has been given to Warrington Borough Council to support town centre activities on the weekend of May 8 – the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

The funding for Warrington will help boost the town’s VE75 celebrations, with the council working in partnership with the Business Improvement District (BID) and Culture Warrington to deliver a range of family activities.

Among the items promised are an engaging, interactive exhibition, stop-frame animation sessions, arts and craft workshops, a theatre performance and opportunities to share stories.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council's cabinet member for culture, said: “This award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund is great news for our VE75 celebrations. It further strengthens our plans to deliver a range of activities giving communities a better understanding of the key role Warrington people played in the Second World War, while instilling a sense of pride, togetherness and community spirit.”

Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for community, added: “This year marks an important milestone for VE Day and I’m delighted that Warrington will be taking an active role in the celebrations. This funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will help us deliver a diverse, engaging and inclusive programme.”

A detailed plan of Warrington’s VE75 activities will be released in the weeks leading up to VE Day.