This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, and towns and cities across the UK are gearing up for celebrations that promise to honor the sacrifices of the wartime generation while bringing communities together. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Fleet will transform Gurkha Square into a hub of remembrance and festivities, kicking off the day at 11am with a wreath-laying service at the War Memorial.
After the ceremony, visitors can expect a display of vintage military and civilian vehicles from the 1940s, alongside wartime photographs showcasing the history of Fleet and Crookham. A special tea will be held for veterans of World War II, both military and civilian, inviting them to share their memories and stories. Organizers are calling for anyone who owns a vintage vehicle to join the celebration, with vehicles needing to arrive by 10:15am on May 8.
In addition to the events in Fleet, pubs across England will be allowed to remain open until 1am on May 8, thanks to a recent decision by the Prime Minister. Typically, pubs close at 11pm, but this two-hour extension aims to facilitate continued celebrations. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his support for this move, stating, "As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all." He emphasized the importance of allowing people to gather and raise a glass in honor of those who served.
Meanwhile, commemorations are set to kick off earlier, on the May bank holiday, Monday, May 5. The Cenotaph in London will be adorned with Union flags, accompanied by a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and an RAF flypast overhead. On May 8, a live party at Horse Guards Parade will be broadcast on BBC One, further uniting the nation in celebration.
In Warwickshire, local festivities will also be in full swing. Warwick's Town Crier, Michael Reddy, will read the 'VE Day 80 Proclamation' from the top of Market Hall Museum at 9am, coinciding with the raising of the VE Day 80 flag at the Town Hall in Leamington Spa. The evening will feature a short service at the War Memorial on Euston Place at 6:30pm, led by the Royal British Legion of the Leamington branch, with a reading by Father Christopher Wilson from All Saints Church.
At 7:30pm, Warwickshire will join the nationwide effort to light beacons, with refreshments available for visitors, including coffee, cake, and pizza, accompanied by music from Royal Spa Brass. The VE Day 80 tribute will be read by the Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa, Councillor Judith Clarke, followed by a short speech from the Chairman of Warwick District Council at 9:30pm.
Kenilworth Council is also hosting a commemorative event from 7:30pm to 9:30pm, featuring a service by the Royal British Legion, performances by local school choirs, a piper, and the lighting of a beacon in one of the Castle’s towers. A service will also be held at the War Memorial on Church Street at 9:30pm, inviting all community members to join.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed the extension of pub hours as a vital boost to the hospitality industry. He stated, "As someone with a strong family background in the armed forces, I know how vital it is to honor the legacy of those who served. VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity for communities to come together. At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history."
In Fleet, the celebrations will continue into the night, with a beacon lighting at 9pm as part of a nationwide network, followed by festivities lasting until 10pm. Local volunteers, alongside Fleet Town Council and the Fleet, Crookham, and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, have worked tirelessly to ensure a memorable day filled with music, dancing, food, drink, games, and entertainment.
The last time Fleet celebrated VE Day was for its 75th anniversary, which had to be held under lockdown restrictions. Yet, in true British spirit, communities came together with socially distanced street parties, wartime singalongs, and homes adorned with Union Jack bunting. This year’s celebrations are expected to be even more vibrant and engaging.
As the UK prepares to commemorate this significant milestone, communities are encouraged to participate actively. Whether by attending events, sharing wartime memories, or simply enjoying the festivities, everyone has a role to play in honoring the legacy of those who fought for peace and freedom. With a packed schedule of events, the 80th anniversary of VE Day promises to be a day of reflection, celebration, and community spirit across the nation.
