August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day when Japan surrendered and six years of war finally came to an end.

World War II had claimed the lives of the 56 men remembered on Abingdon’s war memorial and a further 47 from Abingdon School.

The town will be marking the sacrifices made by townsfolk at home and abroad with a brief ceremony at the war memorial at 12 noon on Friday August 15.

On Saturday August 16, there will be a Party on the Pitch at Abingdon Rugby Club, Lambrick Way – reflecting the joyous spirit that ran throughout the town when war was finally over.

The event has been organised by Abingdon Royal British Legion, with funding from Abingdon-on-Thames Council.

The town council decided against a bun throwing from the County Hall, opting instead to give a grant to the Royal British Legion branch to organise events.

Party on the Pitch will include a fun bun throwing championship to see who can throw a bun the furthest. The family fun day will also include Aunt Sally, a rifle range and other games of skill, strength and expertise for adults and children with barbecue, bar and bring your own picnic ( Please note this event is not suitable for dogs).

Teams of four wanting to join in the bun throwing should register their interest at Abingdonrblvevj@gmail.com

On Saturday evening, Wildflower Whisky will be performing their modern country music at Abingdon Royal British Legion, Spring Road from 9pm.

Sunday August 16 sees a VJ commemorative tea dance at Preston Road community centre from 14:00 – 16.30.

Around five million served in the British Armed Forces during World War II, with millions more mobilised from pre-partition India, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth nations, including those in Africa and the Caribbean.

For many people, VE Day on June 6, 1945 signalled the end of fighting in Europe but end of the war would not have been possible without the combined efforts of those in the Far East.

Research for the Royal British Legion estimates there to be approximately 8,000 WWII veterans still with us in England and Wales.

VJ Day offers us the opportunity to say thank you to them – for possibly the last time.