How World War Two shaped Surrey
As the timing of Surrey Day 2025 coincides with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, here we explore how Surrey was impacted by World War Two.
With VE Day parties taking place in towns and villages to mark the 80th anniversary of this momentous occasion, Surrey Day 2025 took on a special poignance on Saturday May 10.
This annual community event, which brings Surrey’s towns, villages and attractions together in celebration, is a partnership between Surrey’s official tourist board, Visit Surrey, BBC Radio Surrey and the Surrey Lieutenancy.
Surrey Day sunshine
Once again blessed with spectacular sunshine, this year’s festivities led with two key themes: How World War Two shaped Surrey and “Take the Lead” dog-friendly destinations.
Towns and villages broke out the bunting, memories and wartime stories were shared and local dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff of Surrey, visited events across the county, as well as shining a spotlight on some of Surrey’s lesser-known gems.
“This was our seventh celebration of life in Surrey, and it definitely felt like our best to date,” says Surrey Day founder and BBC Radio Surrey presenter Mark Carter.
“The BBC Surrey team, Visit Surrey and the Surrey Lieutenancy worked collaboratively with a host of individuals and organisations to deliver a fantastic celebration. During the day, I lost count of the number of people who stopped me to say how much they appreciate the effort that everyone puts in to making this such a successful, annual event.”
Out and about around Surrey
BBC Radio Surrey broadcast throughout the day, with highlights including a How World War Two shaped Surrey podcast special; Sara Thornton venturing across the county in a vintage World War Two jeep; James Cannon’s Big Dog Walk at local beauty spot, Newlands Corner; music from new and unsigned musicians from across the area; and a grand finale from D’Oyly Carte Island near Weybridge, on the banks of the River Thames.
As well as the VE Day celebrations and World War Two stories, many attractions across Surrey also adopted the “Take the Lead” theme by welcoming dog owners and their furry friends to explore at a slightly different pace. Bespoke doggy menus were even created for the occasion at destinations such as Albury Organic Vineyard, Claremont Landscape Garden in Esher and Painshill in Cobham.
“The One and Only” singer Chesney Hawkes, who lives in the county, also leant his support - following in the footsteps of previous Surrey Day ambassadors, including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Penelope Keith, Sir Brian May and Brian Blessed.
“From all of us at Visit Surrey, we would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who got involved in Surrey Day 2025 and made it such a success - from the attractions that hosted events and BBC Surrey broadcasts to the residents who so enthusiastically embraced this wonderful celebration of our county,” says Chris Howard. “We can’t wait to celebrate with you all again next year!”
- Next year, Surrey Day will take place on Saturday May 9, 2026.
