On 8 May 1945 crowds gathered outside City Hall for the announcement from London – Germany had surrendered, Victory in Europe (VE Day) was declared.
Two days of holiday to celebrate were announced. Air raid shelters were painted red, white and blue and bunting hung up. Street parties were held and bonfires lit. Ration coupons were pooled to make a good party, and when the children had gone to bed the adults pushed radiograms onto the street and danced. Religious services were held across Cardiff.
Victory over Japan (VJ Day), declared on the 15 August 1945, saw the real end of the Second World War, and there were more celebrations including a dance lit by vehicle headlights in front of City Hall. Americans partied in St Mary Street and air raid sirens sounded for the last time.
Life was to change again as evacuees, troops, war workers and prisoners-of-war started coming home. It was also a time to remember those who had lost their lives in the war. Clothing and food rationing remained in place as the nation began to rebuild.
