As part of the city's programme to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, we're hosting a special pop-up display in our Cottonian Research Room. Come and take a look at fascinating documents and images from the archives and selected items from the costume collection including our 'Dig for Victory' dress. Take a look at items relating to World War II in the Port of Plymouth gallery and sample a special from the menu in The Box Kitchen & Bar (see below). Browse our Active Archives gallery too. This space includes key facts and figures about the Blitz in Plymouth, the famous Bomb Book and a series of display cases co-curated with artist Jyll Bradley, many of which feature objects and insights related to the War. Bradley's adoptive grandfather was a volunteer Fire Guard in Plymouth during the Blitz and even kept his own scrapbook about it.

You can also see video footage and images from The Box's archives at a very special 'VE Day 80' event on The Hoe on Thursday 8 May.

The event will begin at 11.30am with a flag-raising ceremony. There will be a two-minute silence at 12pm. Entertainment will run from 11am-5pm and include stalls, vintage vehicles and Commonwealth Wargraves Tours.

The day will end with a concert from 5.30pm, followed by a Sunset Guard ceremony and the lighting of a beacon at 8.40pm.

Additional VE Day 80 events are taking place at Plymouth Central Library, Plymouth Market and Mount Edgcumbe.