The village of Heddington resonated with the sounds of celebration and remembrance on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, as they marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A key part of this special occasion was a heartfelt performance by the Heddington Amateur Dramatic Society (HADS) choir, who were warmly invited by the local Royal British Legion to contribute their musical talents to the evening.

The HADS choir graced the stage twice throughout the celebration, offering two distinct and engaging sets of wartime melodies. Their first performance was a delightful “listen and enjoy” show, transporting the audience back in time with evocative tunes such as the jovial “There is a Tavern in the Town,” the infectious swing of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” the romantic nostalgia of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” (Solo by Sally Watts) and the poignant sentiment of “My Old Man.” (Solo by Jackie Williams).

Later that evening, the energy shifted as the choir launched into a participatory second set that had the audience singing along with gusto.

Familiar and beloved wartime classics filled the air, including the cheeky “Run Rabbit Run,” the comforting hope of “We’ll Meet Again,” the patriotic spirit of “There Will Always Be an England,” and the rousing anthem “Land Of Hope and Glory,” which proved so popular it warranted enthusiastic encores!

HADS would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the local Royal British Legion for the kind invitation to be a part of this significant event.

They would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful audience who joined in the singing and made the evening so enjoyable.

It was a privilege for the society to contribute to such a meaningful commemoration.