King Charles III commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a poignant speech at London's Horse Guards Parade, echoing the historic words of his grandfather, King George VI. The King emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the wartime generation and the collective effort that led to the liberation of Europe from the shadow of war. His address, delivered at the exact time King George VI spoke to the nation in 1945, served as a bridge between past and present, reminding attendees of the enduring value of unity and peace.

The celebration was marked by a blend of solemn remembrance and joyful festivities, with performances by notable stars and the royal family in attendance. King Charles shared personal anecdotes, including a light-hearted moment where he joked about not having the energy to lead a conga line back to Buckingham Palace, a nod to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's, youthful celebrations on the original VE Day. This blend of humor and history underscored the event's dual purpose: to honor the past while celebrating the peace that was won.

Throughout the week, the royal family participated in various commemorative events, showcasing their commitment to remembering the service and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II. King Charles also highlighted upcoming commemorations, including the 80th anniversary of D-Day, emphasizing the ongoing importance of such anniversaries in teaching future generations about the costs of war and the value of peace.

The King's message was clear: while the debt to the wartime generation can never be fully repaid, their legacy must be remembered and honored. By calling for a global commitment to peace, King Charles III not only paid tribute to the past but also set a vision for the future, one where the lessons of history guide the world toward a more peaceful and united tomorrow.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.