As the United Kingdom commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, various events across the country are uniting communities in remembrance and celebration. In Goole, a solemn service of celebration and remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph at the Memorial Gardens at 10:45 BST, where schoolchildren and members of the armed forces will gather to honor "all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to achieve a lasting peace," according to event organizers.
On May 11, a VE Day Garden Party is set to take place at the Riverside Gardens starting at 12:00 BST. The festivities will include live performances from the Goole and East Riding Concert Band and Swing Jamboree, promising a lively atmosphere to complement the day of reflection.
Additionally, a lamp of peace will be lit during a service of reflection at St John's Church at 21:30 BST, further emphasizing the significance of the day.
Meanwhile, Southend Airport is also participating in the VE Day celebrations with a special flypast scheduled for May 9, 2025. A Lancaster Bomber, a heavy bomber plane used during World War II, will depart from the airport at 1 PM via runway 05, flying over the Essex countryside towards Rochford. This aircraft, recognized for its distinct four-engine design, stayed overnight at Southend Airport after participating in a VE Day flypast on May 8.
In a nod to modern technology, Southend Airport will be live-streaming the departure on TikTok and Facebook, allowing those unable to attend in person to witness this historic event. The airport has also announced that there will be viewing spots available for spectators to watch the Lancaster Bomber take off, adding to the excitement of the day.
Teesside International Airport is commemorating its own history as a former World War II base with a special 80th VE Day celebration. The airport, previously known as RAF Middleton St George, hosted military veterans for a day filled with remembrance, including a flypast by Draken Europe, a specialist aviation firm now based at the airport.
As part of the celebrations, Teesside International Airport opened free-to-view historical exhibits, available for a week starting May 8. This exhibition, curated by aviation historian Geoff Hill, showcases genuine wartime artifacts, including a Lancaster bomber gun turret, original RAF uniforms, and a brass casting made from the wreckage of a downed Lancaster bomber. Visitors can also explore information boards detailing the stories of brave airmen who served at the base, alongside a display honoring Victoria Cross recipient Andrew Mynarski.
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, expressed pride in the airport's military heritage, stating, "We’re incredibly proud of our airport’s roots as RAF Middleton St George. This event is a brilliant way of paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served - and showing that even as we grow and modernize, we never forget where we came from."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during the war, saying, "These VE Day celebrations are about honoring those who served with courage and sacrifice, including the many who never came home."
On May 8, the airport fell silent at noon to mark the anniversary, with a moving two-minute silence observed by veterans and attendees alike. Following the silence, Draken Europe organized a flypast, which captivated those present.
Geoff Hill shared his personal connection to the war, recalling how his father served during World War II and the impact it had on their family. "It is a really emotional day because, obviously, my dad and my granddad served. My dad lost six of his friends going through Germany. I had heard thousands of stories, and what those lads went through was unbelievable," he reflected.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving the memories of veterans, stating, "I have met thousands of veterans in their 80s and 90s over the years who still have nightmares about it. I am very proud to commemorate them and keep their memory going. It is very important we remember them."
The events across the UK serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring legacy of those who fought for peace. As communities come together to honor their history, the spirit of remembrance remains strong.
In Goole, Southend, and Teesside, the celebrations reflect a collective commitment to remembering the past while looking forward to a future of peace. The VE Day festivities not only honor the bravery of those who served but also inspire a new generation to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today.
