VE Day
signifies the conclusion of the Second World War in Europe, and this year marks its 80th anniversary celebration.
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Bars will remain open until 1 am to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Various memorial events are scheduled across the country, featuring prominent displays such as an impressive military parade.
flypast
Across central London, 2,500 beacons will be lit nationwide, along with a distinctive tea party at Buckingham Palace hosted by
King Charles
and Queen Camilla honored war veterans.
No matter if you’re going to a small community meet-up or planning to attend a bigger occasion, numerous opportunities await for your participation.
Here are 15 fantastic happenings close to your location.
‘The year was 1945’…, Staffordshire
The National Memorial Arboretum is set to host a range of exhibits, lectures, and guided tours designed to offer insights into life from 1945. This event aims to share tales of individuals who resided and served eight decades back through various activities such as live shows, swing dance classes reminiscent of the ’40s, group singing sessions, and reading letters aloud. Admission is free, with events taking place from May 3rd to May 5th.
thenma.org.uk
VE Day celebrations, Brighton
Brighton Palace Pier is turning back the clock with a weekend of nostalgic celebrations. Visitors can enjoy a specially curated 40s playlist on Pier Radio, watch vintage newsreel footage on a big screen during the day, and settle in for classic black-and-white films in the evening. The pier will be decked out in festive bunting, and free entry will be offered to cadets and their families throughout the weekend. Prices vary, 3-5 May,
brightonpier.co.uk
Celebrate VE80, Gloucestershire
Go to Berkeley Castle for fantastic live shows from the performers.
D-Day Darlings
(as seen on
Britain’s Got Talent
Enjoy the nostalgia of the ’40s brought to life! Encounter a Winston Churchill impersonator wandering around the venue, and immerse yourself in history alongside World War II reenactment performers providing an accurate look at frontline experiences. Admission prices: adults £18, children £10; those under 3 get in for free. The event takes place from April 4th to May 5th.
berkeley-castle.com
VE80 Fest, Lancashire
Blackburn with Darwen is currently hosting an event.
VE80 Fes
Enjoy live music from performers and artists, carnival rides, a bouncy obstacle course, classic cars, and tea services at Witton County Park. The event features booths run by charities and food trucks offering various goods, along with demonstrations by public servants and military personnel. Admission is free; the event takes place on May 5th from noon until 5 PM.
VE Day 80 Celebratory Best of British Market, West Berkshire
The Broadway in Thatcham will turn into an exciting center filled with patriotic colors and joyful festivities featuring craft booths, street food sellers, and live performances for the Best of British market. Dressing up in vintage attire is welcome. Admission is free, come on May 5th.
thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/best-of-british-market
VE Day Anniversary BBQ, Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is set to host an exclusive celebration picnic from 11 AM until 5 PM. The event will feature complimentary entertainment such as live music, puppet performances, circus acts, and kids’ crafting activities. Admission is not necessary—just bring your own picnic and have fun. It’s all free of charge on May 5th.
cardiffcastle.com
Military parade and aerial display, London
London will be the center stage for four days of VE Day commemorations, taking place from Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 8th. The festivities kick off with a military parade marching from Whitehall.
Buckingham Palace
, followed by an air show on Monday. On Tuesday, a impressive display featuring ceramic poppies will be presented at the
Tower of London
On Wednesday, there will be a memorial concert held in Westminster Hall, followed by the festivities coming to an end with a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.
Scotland’s Salute, Edinburgh
Organised by
The Royal British Legion
Scotland and
Poppyscotland
This musical spectacle at Usher Hall will highlight the series of events leading up to the European triumph. It aims to bring the experiences of those involved vividly to life and conclude with a moment of remembrance. Entertainment will include performances by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, The Military Wives Choirs’ Scotland, and solo violinist Iona McDonald. Ticket prices start at £19.45, and the event takes place on May 6th.
usherhall.co.uk
VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations, Belfast
Presented by comedian Tim McGarry and historian Dr David Hume at City Hall, experience an evening filled with reminiscence and music, capturing the atmosphere and events surrounding the declaration of VE Day in Belfast on May 8, 1945. Featuring readings from various sources,
Northern Ireland War Memorial Oral History Collection
, featuring a brass band performance and a replica of the Supermarine Spitfire, which was utilized by the Allied Forces during World War II. Admission free, on 7 May.
belfastcity.gov.uk/events/ve-day-80th-anniversary
VE Day Commemoration Event, Newcastle
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The memorial event at Old Eaton Square will feature addresses, dedications, wreath presentations, and music performed by pipers from the Newcastle City Pipe Band. Afterward, veterans can partake in a classic dish of fish and chips at an outdoor chippie located in Old Eldon Square. Admission is free; it takes place on May 8th.
‘This Is Your Triumph’ at Chartwell House, Kent
Travel back in history and learn about Winston Churchill’s significant contribution to VE Day as you visit his erstwhile residence, Chartwell House. Delve into carefully chosen artifacts from their collection and hear tales of how his community celebrated the conclusion of the conflict. Families will have fun following an engaging path throughout the grounds. Be sure not to miss the live jazz concert performed by the Adam Jones Quintet beneath the Marlborough Pavilion between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Admission is free on May 8th.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell
Beacon lighting, Kent
The Mayor of Folkestone plans to host a beacon-lighting ceremony for the 80th anniversary of VE Day at The Leas. Various local choirs along with a cadet band will perform at the bandstand starting at 8 pm, followed by the illumination of the beacon at 9:30 pm. Admission is free on May 8th.
folkestone-tc.gov.uk
Lanterns for Peace, Somerset
Stop by the Somerset Rural Life Museum to create your own flag and tealight holder in preparation for the VE Day festivities. Regular entry fees apply (£10 for adults, £4.75 for children aged 5-17, with those under 5 admitted free). This event takes place on May 8th.
swheritage.org.uk/events/ve-day
VE Day 80th anniversary sail-past, West Sussex
Participate in the Selsey gathering at East Beach Green for an emotional night of remembrance and festivity as they commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The festivities will commence at 7:15 pm with a boat parade along the waterfront.
RNLI Selsey Lifeboat
The event will feature contributions from the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team and local fishermen, followed by a sing-along with the Chichester City Band and culminate in the lighting of the beacon. It’s free and takes place on May 8th.
Beacon Lighting, Liverpool
Four lighthouses will be activated at
Exchange Flags
, representing peace and remembrance during a special event with addresses from local officials and a solo piper performance. These beacons are strategically placed to mirror the four remaining wartime bunker walls underneath the location — which served as an essential command center during World War I. Furthermore, prominent municipal structures throughout Liverpool will glow in shades of red, white, and blue. Additionally, the bells at both of Liverpool’s cathedrals and the city parish church will join in ringing for the country’s “Together We Chime” VE80 campaign. Admission free, on 8th May.
cultureliverpool.co.uk/events/ve-day-80-anniversary
