Plans are underway for a special UK Bank Holiday to honor the 80th anniversary of Germany’s surrender in World War II, an event known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, celebrated every year on May 8. In 2025, this milestone will be marked with a four-day celebration, offering the nation an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the ‘Greatest Generation.’
A Weekend of Reflection and Celebration
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, which is spearheading the VEDay80 community campaign, expressed that this year’s events will provide a “great opportunity to celebrate what we have in common” and encourage people to reach out to their neighbors and communities.
The celebrations will kick off on Monday, May 5, with a solemn tribute at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, London. Draped in a Union Jack for the first time since 1920, the memorial will serve as a quiet reminder of the nearly 70,000 British civilians and 384,000 soldiers who lost their lives during WWII.
Military Procession and Royal Involvement
On the same day, a grand military procession will make its way from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. King Charles III, along with senior members of the Royal Family and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will be involved in the proceedings. Following the procession, a flypast featuring current and historic military aircraft, including the Red Arrows, will honor the occasion.
Events Across the Nation
Throughout the four days, communities across the UK are expected to host street parties, reminiscent of the celebrations that erupted when British troops returned home after the war. One of the notable events will take place aboard the HMS Belfast, a warship that played a significant role in D-Day in 1944. The ship, now a museum moored between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, will host a party to mark the anniversary.
On May 6, the Tower of London will display the Ceramic Poppies, a poignant installation originally showcased in 2014. This time, the poppies will be set within the walls of the Tower, with a small section available for public viewing, symbolizing the impact of war on both military personnel and civilians. Tom Piper, overseeing the display, shared that the installation would remind people of the enduring strength and resilience of Londoners throughout history.
Memorials and Concerts
On May 7, the Parliament Choir will perform an anniversary concert at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster, commemorating the announcement of VE Day in 1945. On May 8, a concert at Horseguards Parade will feature military musicians and stars from stage and screen, telling the story of victory and its legacy in Europe. Additionally, a memorial service will take place at Westminster Abbey on VE Day itself.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized that this year’s anniversary presents an “important opportunity for communities to come together” to reflect, remember, and hear firsthand stories from veterans. “By taking part in these significant commemorations, people across society will ensure that the stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come,” she added.
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