VE Day commemorated - How Leeds celebrated in May 1945

“THE EUROPEAN WAR IS OVER AND THIS IS VE-DAY AND A HOLIDAY” read the front page headline.

Leeds celebrated in style - with street parties and a victory parade - as six long years of bitter struggle came to an end. It is interesting to note that the term ‘VE Day’ existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of the Allied victory. These photos - a mix from Leeds Library & Information Service run photographic archive Leodis and the YEP archive - showcase how your city celebrated freedom from fear. READ MORE: The Second World War bombing raids which brought death and terror to Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

13. Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Many of the street parties held to celebrate the end of the war had the excitement of a bonfire as darkness fell. After years of black-out restrictions a bonfire was a great delight to young and old. | YPN Photo: YPN