THE day victory in Europe was finally declared after six years of bloody war was celebrated with a night of 1940s music, dress, and dance.

Students from Our Lady and St John Catholic College (OLSJ) and six East Lancashire primary schools performed a VE Day Community Concert at King George’s Hall in Blackburn on Tuesday, raising over £1,000 for charity.

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An audience of around 500 people - including former students and staff, decorated veterans, and proud parents - saw classics such as Tuxedo Junction and It’s A Long Way To Tipperary performed on what was a balmy spring evening.

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Head of media at OLSJ, Suzanne Hall, said: “We decided to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day and to raise money for the Armed Forces and serving soldiers.”

The event was organised by head of music Renia Pyzhibis and key members of staff, including Melanie Standon, while head of history Alistair Eccles was its host.

It also saw a solo of Autumn Leaves by Year 10 student Isaac Costello on the double bass. The six primary schools involved were Holy Souls, St Mary and St Joseph’s, St Alban’s, St Anthony’s and Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, and St Anne’s.

Guests included Blackburn mayor Cllr Alan Cottam, with all proceeds from the event going to his chosen mayoral charity, SSAFA.