VJ Day Commemoration

Swale, Kent — Diversity House is delighted to announce that it has received a grant from the National Lottery Awards for All to support a powerful community event marking VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).

Thanks to funding made possible by National Lottery players, the event titled “VJ Day: Stories of Courage, Voices of Peace”, will bring together people from all walks of life to remember the sacrifices made in the Far East campaign during the Second World War and to celebrate the peace that followed.

Taking place on 16 and 29 August 2025 at High Street Sittingbourne and West Faversham Community Centre, the project will include a commemorative service, exhibitions, creative workshops, storytelling sessions with veterans and families, and performances of wartime music. It will shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Commonwealth soldiers and civilians and provide opportunities for intergenerational learning and reflection.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this important project,” said Mrs Christine locke, CEO of Diversity House. “VJ Day is a moment to honour those whose stories are too often forgotten and to bring our community together in peace, remembrance, and education.”

The lead-up to the event will feature school and youth engagement activities, community story-collecting, and the development of a digital exhibition to ensure the legacy of the day continues well beyond August.

Diversity House invites residents, schools, community groups, and veterans’ families to take part in the event and help ensure these important stories are shared with future generations.

For more information, press enquiries, or to get involved, please contact:
Name: Mrs Christine Locke
Email: christine.locke@diversityhouse.org.uk
Phone: 01795420455
Website/Social Media: www.diversityhouse.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

  • VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) marks the end of World War II in the Pacific on 15 August 1945.
  • The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players to good causes across the UK