On May 5, 2025, the skies over London were filled with the roar of aircraft as four generations of the Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to witness a spectacular flypast commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. The event, marking a significant historical milestone, featured a formation of 23 aircraft, including a war-time Lancaster bomber, Typhoons, and the iconic Red Arrows, captivating thousands of onlookers below.
Squadron Leader Paul Wise, piloting the Lancaster as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, described the flypast as a "museum without walls." This poignant phrase encapsulated the essence of the event, which served as a tribute to the sacrifices made during the war. The Lancaster is one of only two airworthy examples in the world, making its presence at the event particularly special.
As the Lancaster led the formation, the King and senior royals waved to the cheering crowds, a moment that resonated deeply with those who remember the sacrifices of the past. This flypast was not just a display of aerial prowess but also a heartfelt reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom.
In a parallel celebration of this significant anniversary, Vernon Kay, the popular host of BBC Radio 2, is set to bring his show to Beverley, East Yorkshire, on May 8, 2025. The VE Day Tea Party will be broadcast live from a special listener’s hometown, featuring an array of guests and live music performances from 9:30 AM to 12 PM. This event aims to capture the spirit of the original VE Day celebrations while honoring those who lived through that historic moment.
The audience for Kay's show will include Second World War veterans and individuals who recall VE Day as children, along with respected community members such as nurses, military personnel, and community leaders. Local hero Calum Scott is also set to return to his hometown to provide live music, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
In addition to the live performances, Kay will delve into the BBC Archive to share remarkable audio clips from the original VE Day celebrations. Travel reporter Ellie Brennan, a former presenter on BBC Humberside, will be on the streets of Beverley, capturing how local residents are commemorating the 80th anniversary of this pivotal day.
To further mark the occasion, BBC Radio 2 is hosting a special concert recorded at the Alexandra Palace Theatre in London. This concert, entitled "VE Day 80 – A Swinging Celebration," will feature the BBC Big Band and the strings of the BBC Concert Orchestra, performing classic Big Band hits such as "Flying Home," "One O’Clock Jump," "Skyliner," "Opus One," and "Caravan." The concert will also showcase guest vocalist Anna-Jane Casey, who will explore the songbooks of Doris Day and Vera Lynn, performing beloved tracks like "My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time," "Sentimental Journey," and "I’ll Be Seeing You."
Gary Wilmot will lead a singalong featuring wartime favorites, while the lively Ray Gelato will bring the energy with Louis Jordan classics, including "Five Guys Named Moe" and "Caldonia." The stunning six-piece vocal harmony group, Accent, will also add to the evening’s entertainment, ensuring a memorable night for all attendees.
Vernon Kay expressed his pride in presenting the concert, stating, "I’m hugely honoured and proud to be presenting this concert for Radio 2 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It’s such a poignant moment in our history, the end of nearly six years of a war in Europe that led to the loss of millions of lives, and we must never forget the sacrifices made by so many people all those years ago." This sentiment reflects the collective memory of a nation that continues to honor its past.
The concert will be available on BBC Sounds from VE Day, May 8, and will also air on Radio 2 on Sunday, May 11, from 8 PM to 10 PM. Additionally, Dermot O’Leary will present a "Sounds of the 40s Special Playlist," taking listeners back to the celebrations of 1945 with music, movies, and memories that defined that era.
As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day, events like the flypast and the VE Day Tea Party serve as vital reminders of the resilience and spirit of the nation. They not only celebrate the end of a devastating conflict but also honor the memories of those who fought bravely for peace and freedom. The legacy of VE Day continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of unity and remembrance in a world that has seen its share of conflict.
