Beacons were lit across the Isle of Thanet on May 8, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, a historic event that officially ended hostilities with Nazi Germany at one minute past midnight on May 8, 1945. Celebrations took place in various locations including Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Westgate, Birchington, and Minster, each commemorating the day with local events and gatherings.
In Cliffsend, a firepit was lit next to the beacon on Hugin Green due to some issues. Meanwhile, in Margate, the event was attended by Mayor Jack Packman, Mayoress Karen Brinkman, and East Thanet MP Polly Billington. The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia as service cadets, veterans, and members of the 1st Margate Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade joined the festivities.
In Cliffsend, around 80 residents celebrated at the village hall with a fish and chip meal and live music from the Greyhound Buskers. The event, organized by resident and parish councillor Beryl Harrison, was funded by the Cliffsend Parish Council and a donation from Jentex. Harrison, despite suffering from a broken arm and shoulder since December, created three VE Day silhouettes around the village, representing the Land Army, a Red Cross nurse, and honoring animals lost in the war. She reflected on the significance of the day, saying, "We had over 80 people for the fish and chips which was all paid for by the parish council. We also gave out 80 jacket potatoes to take home as during the war people were told to use potatoes instead of bread – until there was a potato shortage."
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council arranged a series of events culminating in an open-air concert on the seafront. Earlier in the year, local school children were encouraged to create artwork and poetry to express their understanding of VE Day. These creations were presented to staff and residents at Maurice House, a local care home for the Armed Forces Community. Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Garner, highlighted the importance of the children’s contributions, stating, "It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the music and reflecting on the significance of the day."
On the evening of May 7, a VE Day 80th Anniversary flag was flown at Pierremont Hall, setting the mood for a day of reflection. The following evening, crowds gathered at the Broadstairs Bandstand to commemorate the anniversary with a concert by the Thanet Concert Band, which included popular wartime music and rousing renditions of "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule Britannia." Children from Bromstone Primary School also participated, singing songs and reading poems. A beacon lighting on Viking Bay was made more poignant by the projection of the Union Flag onto Bleak House.
In Margate, Treetops care home celebrated VE Day with residents sharing their memories of the war. One resident recalled, "When the noise stopped, you just had to hold your breath, and hope and pray that it didn’t land on you. The explosions were loud and scary." The home was decorated with flags, balloons, and bunting, and residents enjoyed a war-themed lunch and afternoon tea, featuring songs by Marie Kelly, including the classic "We’ll Meet Again." A staff member remarked, "The 80th VE Day was a wonderful celebration but their vivid memories highlighted the difficulty in war and the importance of community."
Further events celebrating VE Day were planned for the weekend at both Ramsgate and the Minster and Monkton RBL clubs, ensuring that the spirit of remembrance continued throughout the region.
Meanwhile, in Andover, the 80th anniversary of VE Day was marked with a flag-raising ceremony, live music, and cream teas on May 8. The ceremony took place at the Guildhall at 9am and was attended by MP Kit Malthouse, Major Andy Clifford, WO1 (RSM) Wayne Cunningham, Colonel Luigi Gregori, and Mayor Heather Neate. June Harris, a 94-year-old resident, shared her memories of the war, recalling the dogfights between the RAF and Luftwaffe. She said, "You could look up at it [the dogfights]. There were one or two who were shot down but you don't know who, of course."
Mayor Ian Jeffrey emphasized the community's efforts during the war, stating, "The events of today bring a lot of it back to our memories. I think it's brilliant how our country has reacted... and I hope we won't have to repeat what was experienced in those days." Andover Community Engage (ACE) hosted a VE Day party alongside their Dementia and Wellbeing Club, which featured live music and cream teas, sponsored by Stannah. Maria Tierney, a trustee at ACE, expressed the significance of the day, noting, "As my grandparents were all in the war, it's a significant thing to remember the end of the war."
Tim Peters, a local veteran who served in the Royal Pioneers, reflected on the meaning of VE Day, stating, "At the end of the day, VE Day is for those who did what they did for what we can do today. We've got freedom, at least for the moment." Residents were also invited to a service at St Mary’s Church at 6pm.
In Oxfordshire, hundreds participated in memorial services and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. Events included processions, parades, afternoon teas, and concerts, with a two-minute silence observed at midday to honor the end of the war in Europe. After dark, beacons were lit across the UK. In Witney, residents danced in the streets, while Chipping Norton hosted a singing event at the town hall.
As part of the celebrations, schools also engaged students in commemorative activities. At King's Worcester, from Reception through to year 6, students participated in a variety of activities that brought the historical significance of VE Day to life. The younger students enjoyed a traditional street party, while older classes learned about the events leading up to Victory in Europe and the impact on society. The week concluded with a special assembly reflecting on the meaning of VE Day and the importance of peace.
Finally, at Westminster Abbey, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy represented Progressive Judaism during a service attended by King Charles III and other dignitaries. Rabbi Charley described the event as "a very moving occasion and an honour to be part of the procession and service on behalf of our Reform and Liberal communities." With a week of services and events commemorating the sacrifice of the Second World War generation, the anniversary of VE Day was a poignant reminder of the values of freedom and justice fought for by many.
