In honour of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Prime Minister announced this week that pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to stay open for an extra two hours until 1AM on 8 May, allowing more time to “raise a glass to all the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home”.

But there are also plenty of other ways to get involved in the #VE80 celebrations - find an event taking place in your community, discover VE Day inspired baking recipes or download street party planning tips and tricks.

You could also show us how you’re getting into the VE Day spirit by entering Tip Top Towns. Share pictures on social media demonstrating how your community, town, village or city is coming together to decorate, celebrate and spruce up communal spaces.

Don’t forget to tag #VE80!

Latest updates

Military procession and fly past details unveiled

Members of the public are invited to line the Mall to watch the VE Day 80 military procession taking place on Monday 5 May in London.

Beginning at noon, more than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, Uniformed Services and Uniformed Youth will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace. A military fly past featuring the Red Arrows and 24 current and historic military aircraft will follow after the procession concludes.

A remembrance service will take place at Westminster Abbey to mark VE Day on 8 May, followed by A Celebration to Remember concert that evening on Horse Guards Parade where stars of stage and screen will tell the story of the end of the war. The commemorations will be broadcast on BBC One.

If you’re planning to attend, you can also read our guidance about where events are taking place and how to prepare.

10 Second World War veterans. One powerful letter

“To remember what happened isn’t just about honouring the fallen – to remember is also our best hope of avoiding it ever happening again.”

Read the open letter written by 10 Second World War veterans inviting the UK to get together and remember the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with celebrations starting on Monday 5 May.

Veterans and public figures including Stephen Fry, Dame Kelly Holmes, Paul Hollywood and Bear Grylls read out the letter in this short film:

Watch 104 year-old veteran Colin Bell on Good Morning Britain talking about his experience as an RAF pilot during the Second World War, where he trained RAF cadets in America and flew Mosquito bomber planes:

VE Day 80 concert at Horse Guards Parade

The BBC has announced its musical line-up for VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember concert to be broadcast live from Horse Guards Parade in London on Thursday 8 May from 8-10pm on BBC One.

The star-studded lineup features performances from Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle alongside renowned cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker, and the legendary classical singer Sir Willard White.

The concert will also feature Strictly Come Dancing professionals and include appearances from Dame Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Shelia Hancock. Actor Brian Cox will deliver a powerful reenactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech.

Royal Mail unveils new 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.

Each of the 10 stamps features an image of the person being honoured, capturing their wartime role – be it pilot, nurse, Commando, SOE operative, codebreaker, engineer or firefighter.

The stamps and a range of collectible products are now available for pre-order.

Children & young people can write to a veteran

It’s not too late for children and young people to get a free, personalised letter from a living Second World War veteran through The Together Coalition’s #VEMail programme.

Poppies at the Tower of London

The first of 30,000 ceremonial poppies has been planted by Chief Yeoman Warder Rob Fuller as part of the Tower of London’s VE Day 80 special commemorative display, called “The Tower Remembers”.

The installation resembles a wound at the heart of the Tower, which was bombed during the Blitz, and can be viewed from Tuesday 6 May.

Bake VE Day-inspired Chelsea buns

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission worked with celebrity chef Paul Hollywood to create a new VE Day Chelsea bun recipe. Download the recipe to bake and enjoy during the VE Day celebrations.

View historic Second World War documents

The National Archives is putting on a special display of original documents detailing decisions and steps taken by the Government and military personnel once peace was declared on 8 May, 1945.

Read speeches delivered in Parliament and correspondence detailing the King’s broadcast to the nation. Learn how Military units in northwest Europe were advised that they could attend local church services and organise group meals, games and entertainment.

Come and speak to their records specialists who can provide historical background and explain the importance of VE Day.

Drop in on Tuesday 6 May between 2 – 4pm at The National Archives for this FREE event.

Get involved

The Great British Food Festival - let’s party on Monday 5 May!

#VE80 is a moment to come together, cook together, and reflect together - however big or small your gathering may be.

Connect with food and family this coming Bank Holiday Monday 5 May. Join in the Great British Food Festival and host a street party to remember!

Find an event happening in your local community using our interactive event map

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.

Share your Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on social media. Use #VE80, #VJ80 and #Victory80

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