UK Communities Gear Up For VE Day 80 Celebrations

As the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day approaches, communities across the UK are gearing up to commemorate this pivotal moment in history with a series of heartfelt initiatives and events designed to bring people together.

The Swindon Borough Council is at the forefront of these efforts, encouraging local residents to honor the sacrifices made during World War II by participating in a national four-day commemoration beginning on May 8, 2025. “The nation will come together in May to honour and remember them and we want to make it as easy as we can for local people to hold their own gatherings and street parties so they can pay their own tributes,” a council representative stated.

Local residents who wish to host street parties can find comprehensive information on the council’s website, which outlines how to apply for permission to hold such events. Notably, there are no charges for applying for road closures to mark VE Day, making it easier for communities to organize celebrations.

On VE Day itself, a special service of Remembrance and thanksgiving will take place at Westminster Abbey, followed by a celebratory concert at the historic Horseguards Parade. This ceremony is part of a week filled with national celebrations, including military processions and a Cenotaph display. Moreover, to honor the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), a service will occur at the National Memorial Arboretum on August 15.

In Essex, a remarkable partnership between the Essex Freemasons and the local charity Get Started Art is enhancing the VE Day celebrations by distributing over 5,000 Union Jack flags and 10,000 bunting arts and crafts sheets to schools, care homes, and community groups. This initiative has garnered the enthusiastic support of Johnson Beharry VC, who plans to attend the Westminster Abbey service. He remarked on March 15, 2025, that “this initiative encourages young people to learn about VE Day in a creative way while also helping care homes and community hubs mark this important occasion.”

Arthur Cooke from the Abbeygate Chapter elaborated on the impact of this project, emphasizing the dual purpose of the arts and crafts sheets. “The bunting sheets are double-sided—children can color one side while the other remains a traditional Union Jack, making them ideal for public displays.”

Masonic Lodges and chapters across Essex, including those from Chingford, Colchester, Hutton, Loughton, Orsett, Southend, and Upminster, have stepped up to assist in distributing these materials and ensuring active community participation. This collaborative effort aims to unite generations in remembrance and ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to thrive.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made by countless individuals during World War II, Johnson Beharry VC acknowledged the staggering loss of life—estimated at 40 to 50 million people, including approximately 25 million military personnel. His sentiment underscores the importance of commemorating those who displayed extraordinary courage and highlights the need for ongoing remembrance and education.

The wide array of activities planned, from memorial services to artistic initiatives, serves not only to honor history but also to foster community connection. Local governments and organizations are coming together to create spaces where residents can reflect on the past and engage with one another, building lasting memories intertwined with national pride.

As VE Day approaches, the call to action resonates: residents are encouraged to rally together in a show of unity and remembrance, paying tribute to the bravery of those before them. With local councils, charitable organizations, and individuals participating, this year’s events promise to be a significant moment of collective commemoration.