At 3pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill took to the airwaves to announce that Germany had surrendered, bringing an end to nearly six years of war in Europe.
In anticipation of the long-awaited news, millions across the country and throughout the Commonwealth took to the streets to celebrate. Victory in Europe Day became a national holiday. Colourful bunting and flags were hung. Bonfires and fireworks were lit. People danced and sang. The pubs were full of revellers.
Now, 80 years on, we will come together again as a nation through a series of national and local events, kicking off next week, to pay tribute to the Second World War generation - serving at home and abroad - who fought bravely for the peace that endures today.
However you plan to mark this important anniversary, we hope you reflect on those who paid the ultimate price for freedom and thank our living veterans for their contributions to the war effort.
V for Victory! #VE80
Two-minute national silence |
A two-minute national silence will be held on Thursday 8 May at 12 noon (UK time), to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom.
The silence will be marked by all UK Government departments, which will also fly the Union Flag at full-mast. |
Procession guidance and staying safe |
The military procession begins at 12pm on Monday 5 May, with the fly past taking place following its conclusion. Watch the live broadcast on BBC One.
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Community celebrations & street parties |
Communities across the UK are getting ready to come together over food, stories and friendship this Bank Holiday Monday. From street parties to park picnics, there’s still time to plan your celebration and get involved in the Great British Food Festival.
Don't forget to share pictures and videos of your festive gatherings on your social channels using #VE80 #GreatBritishFoodFestival.
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Veterans to attend Tea Party at the Palace |
Their Majesties The King and Queen have invited Second World War veterans to attend a Tea Party in the gardens at Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The Royal British Legion has arranged for guests who contributed to the war effort 80 years ago to attend. |
New augmented reality experience brings VE Day to life |
Atlantic Productions has launched an augmented reality experience that lets you explore the stories and voices of those who were there on VE Day 1945. |
Our Shared Story educational pack |
Download the ‘Our Shared Story’ educational pack, complete with new educational resources added, to encourage children and young people to learn about VE Day and the events of the Second World War. |
The Royal Parks during the Second World War |
Learn how The Royal Parks were transformed to offer military defence and sanctuary during the Second World War. From providing air raid shelters to housing military encampments, growing vegetables to fortify provisions and hosting military parades, the Royal Parks adapted to serve the city in its time of need. |
Royal Mail’s VE Day 80 stamp collection |
Royal Mail has unveiled a set of new commemorative postage stamps honouring 10 men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War. These incredible people worked as part of the war effort both at home and behind enemy lines, as well as volunteering from across the Commonwealth. |
Attend a thought-provoking discussion called Is Remembrance still working? taking place from 12-1pm at the National Army Museum between two grandchildren of high-ranking army officers from opposite sides of the Second World War. Book to attend for FREE or watch live online.
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Spend the afternoon at Stephens House & Gardens in Finchley, helping to recreate the iconic photo showing thousands of people celebrating VE night in 1945. Enjoy the musical stylings of Fox, Wiggle and Sass.
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Monday 5 May (Bank Holiday) |
Historic buildings and famous landmarks across the UK will light up their buildings in red, white and blue, the Union Jack or with a ‘V for Victory’ symbol in honour of VE Day. Locations include the Battersea Power Station, BFI Imax, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Buckingham Palace, The Shard, Glasshouse Newcastle and many more across the UK.
The Historic Royal Palaces unveils its The Tower Remembers art installation which can be seen as part of general admission to the Tower of London.
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Observe the two-minute national silence beginning at 12 noon (UK time), to honour, reflect and remember those who fought for our freedom. The Union Flag will fly at full-mast.
Watch the exclusive VE Day 80 film produced by MC Saatchi, in partnership with DCMS, IWM and the Together Coalition, live on Piccadilly Curve at 3pm, showing archive footage from VE Day 1945.
Visit Richmond’s The Poppy Factory for their VE Day 80 open afternoon. Watch special VE Day presentations, enjoy Victoria sponge cake, chat to volunteers and view parts of this historic factory where Remembrance poppies are made.
Watch HMS Wellington’s flag raising ceremony from the Victoria Embankment starting at 9am. The upper decks will be open to the public until 10am. Buy tickets to the Wellington Trust’s VE 80 Day Experience where you’ll enjoy an afternoon party in honour of all those who served on the war ship.
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Attend the Concert for Codebreakers to delight in an afternoon of music as performed over 80 years ago at Bletchley Park.
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Make sure to share photos & videos from your #VE80 celebrations. Enjoy the festivities! |
