Various kinds of commemorations were held around the UK on Sunday to mark VJ Day, when Japan's surrender brought an end to the Second World War.

 

The largest event, the Festival of Flight re-enacting the sights and sounds of the 1940s Britain, was staged at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire with thousands attending.

 

Among the attractions were a four-hour air display by 40 planes including the Sally B Flying Fortress and the Red Arrows.

 

Musicians, dancers, singers, classic car and military vehicle enthusiasts also entertained the crowds.

 

As dusk fell the John Miller Orchestra performed a swing concert.

 

The weapons were carried on board American B-29 bombers, developed from the B-17 Flying Fortresses which flew missions over Europe.

 

The only working example of a B-17 in Britain, known as Sally B, was the centerpiece of the afternoon air show at Blenheim.

 

Lord Blandford, one of the festival organizers, said the event possessed "so many dimensions from this time of great turmoil in our history and it's fitting that it takes place at the birthplace of Winston Churchill."

 

Commenting on the Britons who served their country during the war, he added: "In this VJ Day 60th anniversary year every opportunity must be taken to acknowledge their contribution."

 

The VJ Day -- which is on Monday -- marks the day when Japan surrendered to the Allies on August 15, 1945, days after the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by atomic bombs.

 

Elsewhere in the UK, services and events were held to honor British veterans of the Far East campaign.

 

Thousands of people gathered in Glasgow for the Last Parade, organized by the Royal British Legion Scotland.

 

Musicians, schoolchildren, servicemen and ex-servicemen marched from Blythswood Square to George Square for a service on Sunday.

 

First Minister Jack McConnell and Glasgow's Lord Provost Elizabeth Cameron were among those who attended.

 

Elsewhere in Scotland, a Nimrod from RAF Kinloss was flown over the Kinnaird Lighthouse car park at Fraserburgh, and later flew past Wick airport.

 

In Wales, the Gwent branch of the Royal British Legion hosted an afternoon drumhead service at Tredegar House in Newport.

 

Claire Williams, the legion's county field officer for mid and south Wales said: "This is the legion's way of reminding those veterans, and the community at large, that we acknowledge their heroism."

 

Members of Cardiff's Burma Star Association also met at St John's Church in the city center where a window is dedicated to the Far East campaigns.

 

Sunday's events follow similar commemorations held around the world to mark Victory in Europe Day -- proclaimed on May 8, 1945.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2005)