Dignitaries and veterans came together to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day this afternoon.

Islington Gazette: Islington marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day at the war memorial on Islington GreenIslington marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day at the war memorial on Islington Green (Image: Archant)

A service in Islington Green marked seven decades to the day since Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of the Second World War in Europe and the streets were filled with celebrations.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Theresa Debono joined other local dignitaries and the Islington Veterans’ Association for the service, during which wreaths were laid and a two minute’s silence observed to remember the sacrifices made to win the conflict, included the 958 people killed in the borough during the Blitz.

The event took place at 3pm – the moment Churchill broadcasted the news of the German surrender to the nation on May 8, 1945.

Islington’s commemorations coincided with the service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, where the Duke of York laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen and newly-elected Prime Minister David Cameron stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg in their last major roles as party leaders following their post-election resignations.

Islington Gazette: Islington marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day at the war memorial on Islington GreenIslington marks the 70th anniversary of VE Day at the war memorial on Islington Green (Image: Archant)