Legendary entertainers Max Bygraves and the Beverley Sisters will top the bill in a £250,000 Birmingham festival to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

City council leaders have chosen two of Britain's most enduring showbiz acts to lead two days of 1940s nostalgia.

Bygraves, aged 82, and the Beverley Sisters will perform at a Victory Fireworks Fantasia in Cannon Hill Park on July 10 - the national day of commemoration.

What promises to be the city's largest street party is planned for New Street on Sunday May 8, the 60th anniversary of VE Day. The council will give out "ration cards" which will entitle guests to free food, drinks, flags and party hats.

A barrage balloon will fly above the Council House and Town Hall - and both buildings are to be surrounded by sandbags. Veteran vehicles will be on display and traders are being encouraged to dress in period costume.

Other events planned include: n Wreath-laying at the Hall of Memory on May 8 and August 15, VJ Day n Parade of ex-servicemen's organisations and city regiments from the Council House to St Philip's Cathedral; n Civic service of commemoration at the cathedral n A dig for victory plot by the Birmingham and District Allotments Council n Exhibitions at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

The Thinktank museum at Millennium Point is negotiating to host an Imperial War Museum exhibition. The fireworks will begin with a festival of remembrance, followed by a Sing for Victory Musical Show.

The evening will feature The Rat Pack Live Tour 2005 and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with a proms-style concert.

The programme of events has been put together by John Alden, council cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, in consultation with the Royal British Legion and the Federation of British Services.

Coun Alden (Con Harborne) wants street parties throughout the city. The council has agreed to waive street closure charges for groups wishing to organise parties in minor residential streets.

The £250,000 budget will also cover events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21.