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We’re less than 1 week to go until the official VE Day 80 celebrations get underway.
There’s still time to get involved in the #VE80 festivities and join in on the special commemorations taking place across the country. |
Take a look at our list of parties, events and activities taking place to honour our Second World War veterans and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for 80 years of peace.
Don’t forget to show us how you’re getting into the #VE80 spirit on your social channels too. |
Watch the military procession and fly past |
Members of the public are invited to line the Mall to watch the VE Day 80 military procession taking place on Monday 5 May, beginning at noon in London. It will be broadcast on BBC One. If you’re planning to attend, read our guidance and plan your journey. |
Take part in the Great British Food Festival |
The Together Coalition kicked off the countdown to the Great British Food Festival with an incredible celebration of food, stories and community spirit at the Al-Manaar Mosque in London.
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Read Letters to Loved Ones |
“I ain’t fighting anyone no more – no more guns, mines or the other things which have scared the daylights out of me. If this letter is written when I wake up in the morning, then I’ll know I’m not dreaming” wrote Donald Chapman to his mother and sister when the news of the German surrender was announced.
Meanwhile in Norfolk, Vera Guest wrote to her husband who served in India and didn’t return until 1946: “My heart is glad for our wonderful achievement as a nation – I am thrilled and proud of it all... I cannot go out to celebrate and don’t feel I want to without you, but at the same time I feel a little forlorn, and no doubt you can understand it.”
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Discover the CWGC’s War Graves Week (2-11th May) events taking place across the UK, giving everyone a chance to remember, reflect, and get involved in VE Day 80. 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. FREE activities ranging from maypole and garland dancing to enjoying the musical stylings of Fox, Wiggle and Sass are taking place throughout the day.
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Monday 5 May (Bank Holiday) |
The VE Day 80 military procession will start from Whitehall, ending at Buckingham Palace in London. It will be followed by a flypast, including the Red Arrows military aircraft. Both the procession and flypast will be broadcast live on BBC One.
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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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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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Thanks again for your interest in VE and VJ Day 80. Keep an eye on the VE and VJ Day 80 website with the latest news, resources and ways to get involved in the lead up to the commemorations. |
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Share your Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on social media. Use #VE80, #VJ80 and #Victory80 |
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