CELEBRATIONS to mark the 75th anniversary of VE day have sent Devizes accordion player Dennis Slade back to May 8, 1945.

For when Mr Slade, now 90, was just 15 he and fellow members of The Rhythm Boys helped get Devizes people dancing in the streets as VE day celebrations took over the town.He said: “It was an amazing day. Everyone was out in town. There was a huge feeling of excitement.

“We started playing on the roof of the Milk Bar in Sidmouth Street and then later on we were in the Market Place.

“There is an old picture of the Market Place jam packed and there is me with my white accordion in the centre of it all.”

He and fellow band members Razz Hopkins, Cliff Cook, Ken Abrahams, Ron Bowsher and Ken Glass had all met at the old Southbroom School.

As teenagers they entertained the American troops at their hospital and garrison in Devizes.

They also toured village halls playing their dance music.

Mr Slade still plays and repairs accordions at home in Avon Road, Devizes.

The great grandfather, who has been married to Beth for 62 years, said: “I don’t play that much any more but when we have family get togethers I can still play a tune.

“There are not many people around anymore who can repair old accordions so I am still in demand a bit for that.”

He is not sure what he will be doing on May 8 as people around the country remember the end of the war in Europe but would be happy to be part of a celebration.

He said: “I am not aware of anything yet but it would be good to join in a celebration in Devizes.”

Bruno Peak pageant master for the national organisation VE Day 75 said: “When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020 it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.

“Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved – ones and to hope for the future.”