Britain is uniting to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the Red Arrows set to streak across the skies today, Monday, May 5, 2025. This significant date commemorates the official defeat of Nazi Germany, bringing World War II to an end in Europe after six grueling years. The skies above central London will be painted red, white, and blue as the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows perform their aerial acrobatics over the capital.
Alongside the Red Arrows, a fleet of 23 military aircraft, including both current and historic models such as a Voyager transport aircraft, a P8 surveillance aircraft, and Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, will fly over The Mall and Buckingham Palace following a military procession, captivating thousands of spectators below. The flypast, scheduled for today’s Bank Holiday, is a key part of the first of four days of celebration.
The aerial spectacle is set to commence at 1:45 PM and last approximately five minutes. A Lancaster bomber will be the sole aircraft from the conflict participating, with Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes, famously flown by 'The Few' during the Battle of Britain, not making an appearance. Prior to the main event, the aircraft will need to journey to the capital, passing several UK locations en route. This means you might just get a chance to witness their impressive display.
The flypast will originate in the North Sea, just off the coast of Norwich, before heading inland over East Anglia and Essex. The Red Arrows are set to fly closest to Surrey after passing the palace, with Staines and Walton on Thames being the nearest points. Subsequently, the renowned squadron will soar over London, trailing red, white, and blue hues in a nod to the Union Jack. After flying past the palace, they will draw near to Surrey before scattering over Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire.
The Red Arrows, the RAF's aerobatic display team, will take off from various RAF stations around the UK, entering holding patterns around southeast England before assembling in formation for the flypast. Those who aren't fortunate enough to witness the spectacle in person or catch a glimpse of their display can watch the flypast on television, where cameras will capture some of the best views.
In Oxfordshire, plane enthusiasts should look to the skies this afternoon as aircraft head out from Buckingham Palace. Some RAF planes are expected to return to land at RAF Brize Norton in West Oxfordshire. The procession will fly over Buckingham Palace and The Mall in London at 1:45 PM today, and will also be broadcast live on TV. The planes are expected to be in Oxfordshire airspace between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM today.
A total of 23 aircraft will take part in the flypast, including a Lancaster Bomber from the Battle of Britain memorial flight and the Red Arrows. The procession at Buckingham Palace, which marks the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, will include more than 1,300 members of the armed forces, uniformed services, and young people. Celebrations and remembrance services will take place not only in London and throughout Oxfordshire, but across the Commonwealth too, marking 80 years of peace since the end of the Second World War.
Today, actor Timothy Spall repeated Winston Churchill's words, as crowds of military personnel gathered on Parliament Square to commemorate VE Day 80. Their subsequent march to The Mall, where they were saluted by King Charles and other Royal Family members and veterans, kicked off four days of events across the UK. A Red Arrows flypast was the headline of today's festivities, but there's more to look forward to over the rest of the week.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, the anniversary of Churchill's declaration, will see members of the Royal Family attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster. Then in the evening, it will be time for a live celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade to conclude the festivities. Until then, you can have a read of our news story to see how it all unfolded today.
As part of the VE Day celebrations, street parties are being held across the UK, with local authorities supporting communities wishing to host events. Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary, and churches and cathedrals across the country will ring their bells as a collective act of thanksgiving.
The flypast and other events today will start the build-up to this Thursday, May 8, which marks exactly 80 years since the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender. The King, Queen, and other members of the royal family are looking forward to all the week's VE Day events, a Palace aide said. They will unite with the rest of the nation and those across the Commonwealth and wider world in celebrating, commemorating, and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion, duty, and service should stand as an enduring example to us all - and must never be forgotten.
