As the United Kingdom prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a series of grand celebrations are set to unfold across the nation. From May 5 to May 8, 2025, events will honor the historic moment when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The festivities will kick off on Monday, May 5, with a military procession and flypast in central London. The day will begin outside Parliament Square, where a military band will play classic 1940s tunes, setting the stage for hundreds of military personnel to march along Whitehall. The procession will pass significant landmarks including the Cenotaph, adorned with Union Jack flags, and continue to Trafalgar Square, under Admiralty Arch, and down the Mall towards the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace. Following the march, a flypast featuring both old and new military aircraft will take place, offering a spectacular aerial display.
Street parties, barbecues, and community gatherings will be held across the country on May 5, echoing the celebrations of 80 years ago. Notable events include an afternoon tea street party hosted by HMS Belfast, the only surviving Royal Navy warship from the Second World War, and an open-air music festival in Witton Park, Blackburn, complete with fairground rides and food stalls. In the Welsh village of Myddfai, attendees will be encouraged to dress in 1940s attire for a street party filled with wartime songs.
On Tuesday, May 6, an installation of 30,000 ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London, marking the sacrifices made during the war. This installation, designed by Tom Piper, was originally created in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of World War I. A small portion of the display will be free to view, while the main exhibit will be inside the Tower grounds, remaining until November 11 for Armistice Day. In the evening, historic landmarks across the UK will be illuminated, creating a beautiful tribute to the occasion.
Wednesday, May 7, will feature an anniversary concert in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster. This event will commemorate the moment when a newsflash announced the next day as Victory Day, with performances from the Parliament Choir and special guests.
The culmination of the VE Day celebrations will occur on Thursday, May 8, starting with a service at Westminster Abbey, attended by 1,800 guests, including veterans and dignitaries. The Royal British Legion will host a private tea party for Second World War veterans and their families at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, aiming to include veterans from the North of England who cannot travel to London. In Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, a parade featuring 80 pipers and drummers will take place along Church Street.
Pubs across the UK will be allowed to extend their opening hours until 1am on May 8, allowing patrons to raise a toast to the veterans. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to foster community spirit and honor the sacrifices made during the war. Starmer stated, "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."
The celebrations will continue into the weekend, with various community events planned. On Friday, May 9, a 1940s-style dance will be held in Wouldham, Rochester, featuring a hog roast and live music. In Enniskillen, a community concert will take place on Saturday, May 10, featuring the Royal Irish Regiment's band, while Glasgow will host a church service followed by a veterans parade. The Yorkshire village of Catton will hold a vintage-themed day showcasing Second World War memorabilia and vehicles.
In Wales, the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has encouraged communities to come together for the bank holiday, promoting the 'Great British Food Festival' and street parties. Residents are urged to apply for road closures for these events, with many applications being free. Various towns in Wales will join the national celebrations on May 8, including flag-raising ceremonies, bell ringing, and beacon lighting.
As the nation gears up for this significant milestone, the atmosphere is one of reflection and celebration. The events planned not only honor the past but also bring communities together to celebrate the enduring values of peace and freedom. With concerts, street parties, and memorials, the 80th anniversary of VE Day promises to be a heartfelt tribute to those who served and sacrificed during one of history's most tumultuous times.
As the UK prepares to light 2,500 beacons across the country at 9pm on May 8, including prominent locations like Tower Bridge and Folkestone, the collective spirit of remembrance and gratitude will illuminate the night sky, marking a historic occasion that resonates deeply within the hearts of many.
