Bedford Radio will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special programme exploring VE Day in Bedford, and the wartime years that it brought to an end.
The show will feature material from the WW2 People’s War project of 2004-6. This was provided by the Higgins Bedford, who put together recollections in a project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Original recordings from the project will be included, along with specially recorded readings by volunteers from The Place Theatre and Bedford Radio.
Eyewitness accounts of the celebrations in the area on VE Day and music from the period will also feature.
The programme’s producer John Kell said: “Bedford had a distinctive role in the war, with the BBC’s broadcasts from the town and the major contributions to the war effort of WH Allen and the large munitions factory at Elstow, among others.
“It’s a privilege to be able to bring this to life using the first-hand testimony of those who were there.
“VE Day itself was clearly a memorable day – and night – of celebration, the likes of which Bedford hasn’t seen since, as our multiple eyewitnesses attested.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this programme, and we hope it’s a fitting tribute to everyone in Bedford who made sacrifices to secure victory in Europe.”
Historic Bedford: VE Day will air on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May 7-8pm, then repeated on Thursday 8th May 6-7pm.