80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations Spread Over Four Days in 2025: What Can We Expect?
Celebrate History with a Bang! The UK is all set to party like it's 1945 with an epic four-day extravaganza marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day (5th to 8th May). Start packing your party hats, folks, because we're going back in time!
Don't call it Victory in Europe Day without knowing its full name - it's the day that marks the end of World War II in Europe, on the 8th of May, 1945. The Allies finally accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany on this historic day.
The UK government has put together a jam-packed schedule of events to commemorate this momentous occasion. Here's everything you need to get in on the action.
Monday, 5th May
Military Parade and Flypast
Celebrations will commence at midday in Parliament Square, London, with an actor reading snippets from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young participant will pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to a 100-year-old Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, will then lead the military procession down Whitehall. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cenotaph, draped in the Union Jack, as this historic monument makes an appearance. The procession will end at Buckingham Palace, followed by a stunning flypast of the Red Arrows and other military aircraft.
Crown and Beaver
After the pomp and circumstance, grab yourmates, head out to the streets, gardens, town halls, clubs, and pubs, and let's party like it's 1945! You can also catch tea parties hosted by the King and Queen for veterans at the Buckingham Palace. For a more unique experience, check out HMS Belfast in London, which will host an afternoon tea street party and an evening party. Elsewhere in the country, there will be music festivals, picnics, and wartime band performances - you name it!
Tuesday, 6th May
Ceramic poppies return to the Tower of London on 6 May for the VE Day anniversary. Originally created in 2014 for the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation, which marked 100 years since Britain's involvement in the First World War, these poppies commemorate the sacrifices made during the Second World War. Select landmarks across the UK will be illuminated in the evening, and you can watch the magic unfold live on our website.
Wednesday, 7th May
Prepare for a night of beautiful music as the Parliament Choir performs classical tunes from across Europe and America, with special guests, at Westminster Hall.
Thursday, 8th May
The day we've all been waiting for - VE Day itself! The day kicks off with a service at Westminster Abbey, attended by the King and Queen, veterans, politicians, and charities. At 12 noon, a two-minute silence will be held across all UK government buildings and departments, with other organizations invited to join in.
In the afternoon, 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. The event attracts a massive crowd every year, so don't miss out!
In County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, over 80 pipers and drummers will march along Church Street in Enniskillen. Pubs will also be allowed to stay open until 1 am, so you can raise a glass to mark the end of the four-day celebration.
Fun for all!
The government's VE Day program wraps up with a concert at Horse Guards Parade between 8 pm and 10 pm on the 8th. The event will feature stars from stage and screen, military musicians, readings, and poignant moments. You'll also get to catch a movie premiere by the National Theatre on the 8th. 2,500 beacons will be lit across the UK as the sun sets, including on the River Thames at London's Tower Bridge, Folkestone, Kent, Bridport, Dorset, Fairhaven Lake and Gardens in Lancashire, and Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Community events around the country will continue into the weekend, so keep an eye out for those too! So, there you have it - get ready to party like there's no tomorrow and honor the heroes who made it possible!
- The military procession on the 5th of May, led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, will conclude at Buckingham Palace, similar to the artillery march during wartime.
- The government's VE Day commemoration schedule includes a celebration at Chartwell, Winston Churchill's former home, which adds a historical touch to the general-news events.
- Reminiscent of the rejoicing that followed the end of World War II, sports events and competitions are planned across the UK, allowing citizens to engage in activities known for their fun and camaraderie.
- As part of the four-day events, a night of classical music performance by the Parliament Choir will take place in Westminster Hall, a peaceful contrast to the artillery sounds of the war.
- Marking the end of the VE Day anniversary celebrations, the UK will light 2,500 beacons across the country at 10pm on the 8th of May, symbolizing the unity and victory that was achieved in 1945.
