There’s less than one month to go until we kick off VE Day 80 commemorations. We hope there will be singing, dancing and lots of fun, just like the millions who celebrated in the streets 80 years ago on 8 May 1945 upon hearing the news that the Second World War had ended in Europe.

From the sailors, soldiers and aviators who fought, to children who were evacuated, and all those who stepped into essential roles on the home front, the official programme of events is a tribute to those who fought for our freedom. It is vital that we remember their sacrifices and never let their stories fade from memory.

Whether you plan to watch the Military Procession or flypast in London, host a street party in your community, make your town tip top ready, create home-made bunting or read about a veteran’s first-hand experience of VE Day, let us honour, reflect and connect to our shared histories.

Latest updates

Enter the 10 Downing Street Bunting Competition

We are inviting schools and young people across the country to take part in a special creative competition where they can design bunting for a special #VE80 street party being held at 10 Downing Street.

It’s a chance for students to reflect on the historic occasion, celebrate national pride and get creative.

Enter your bunting design using our VE Day template

Get your town tip top ready!

We want you to get your town, village or community in tip top shape for VE Day 80. Get together as a street or neighbourhood to help spruce up common spaces and places in honour of our Second World War veterans. Anything from hanging festive bunting, placing hand-drawn pictures in windows, painting fences, weeding gardens, planting flowers or crocheting postbox bonnets counts!

Snap a pic and share on your social channels. Don't forget to tag add #VE80.

Learn about the events of the Second World War

Celebrations on VE Day - people on a lorry

The National Archives educational website offers a comprehensive range of digital resources, based on their unique collections which explore the causes and course of the Second World War.

● Discover the impact of the war on the Home front

● Learn about evacuation and how it was organised

● Understand the importance of film in the war effort

● Read about the reasons war broke out

Get involved

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

Back in 1945, crowds filled the streets and villages across the country to celebrate the end of the war and to give thanks for a hard-fought victory. This bank holiday Monday 5 May, we want you to get together again to enjoy food with friends and family.

Mark the occasion with an event to remember. Start planning yours now, whether it’s a Big Lunch with your community or a group of neighbours or even a food festival for your street, The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together has all the resources, tips, craft activities and conversation prompts to help you plan a fantastic event.

Chefs Monica Galletti and Raymond Blanc launching The Great British Food VEstival

Chefs Monica Galletti and Raymond Blanc were on The One Show last week talking about the importance of bringing communities together to share a meal and give thanks to the Second World War generation who sacrificed for our freedom.

Watch a video of them officially launching the #GreatBritishFoodVEstival at the Almanaar Community Food Kitchen.

Actor Ross Kemp, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, sea cadets and schoolchildren got the party started on the deck of Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan where a street party was held to mark one month to go until 5 May. The Royal Navy chefs served food while the Royal Marines Band played music and Union Jacks flapped in the wind.

Get tips, tricks and materials to plan a VE Day street party, BBQ or Big Lunch

Read letters sent during the Second World War

Imperial War Museums is asking families to delve into their history and share letters sent to loved ones during the Second World War.

To include your letter in this campaign, simply take a picture of it and upload it to the official VE and VJ Day 80 website where these digital images will be shared with the nation.

Stories shared on the official VE and VJ Day website will remain free and accessible, helping to shape our understanding of the Second World War both now and in the future.

Read the heartwarming and heartbreaking words direct from those who lived through it

Events

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is excited to launch its For Evermore Tour at Coventry on Friday 2 May. In addition to their interactive mobile exhibition, people can be part of what promises to be a very special evening of music, commemoration and remembrance at their Coventry Cathedral VE Day concert.

On bank holiday Monday 5 May join the CWGC for a Family Open Day at the Runnymede Air Forces Memorial to mark VE Day 80. This special in-person event is a brilliant opportunity for families and visitors to discover the history of the memorial, honour those who served, and enjoy a day filled with guided tours and family-friendly activities.

Discover 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.

Enjoy VE celebrations at Bletchley Park

Join Bletchley Park in celebrating 80 years since Victory in Europe this May with a special VE 1940s weekend (Saturday 3 May - Sunday 4 May). Learn how to swing dance, boogie to vintage tunes and browse 1940s-inspired treasures. Guests are encouraged to wear their best 1940s attire.

Explore how the Codebreakers at Bletchley Park played a vital role in securing victory during the Second World War. All are welcome.

Victory in Europe Day 80th anniversary concert

Attend the Parliament Choir VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert taking place in the magnificent Westminster Hall on Wednesday 7 May at 7:30pm. The Choir will be joined by Sinofonia Smith Square and will perform a selection of powerful musical works centered around the themes of peace and reconciliation.

Attend the Royal British Legion 80 Years On Commemorative Service

The Royal British Legion will host a VE Day Commemorative Service on Thursday 8 May, 4pm on the Naval Review at the National Memorial Arboretum. Everyone is welcome. Seating will be made available on a first come first served basis.

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

Thanks again for your interest in VE and VJ Day 80. We’ll continue to update the VE and VJ Day 80 website with the latest news, resources and ways to get involved over the coming weeks.

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

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