BRITS will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two with four days of celebrations.
A grand military parade, a flypast, and a star-studded concert will lead the VE Day tributes kicking off on the early May Bank Holiday.
The Red Arrows and historic WWII aircraft thunder over London in a special flypast[/caption]
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced four days of VE Day celebrations[/caption]
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it will be an opportunity to “pay tribute to those who served in the Second World War and reflect on values they fought for”.
She added: “People will be able to hear our veterans’ stories and ensure stories of sacrifice and service are remembered.”
On Monday, May 5, the Cenotaph will be draped in Union Flags and a military procession will go from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, before a flypast of the Red Arrows and other aircraft.
The following day, a poppy installation will be unveiled at the Tower of London.
May 7 will mark the anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s victory broadcast — as Westminster Hall hosts a special concert.
But the main VE Day 80 event will be on Thursday, May 8, with a service for world leaders and veterans at Westminster Abbey. Later, 10,000 will attend a concert at Horse Guards Parade.
Hundreds of veterans are expected to join the VE Day anniversary celebrations.
Recalling the day in 1945 itself, ex-Wrens signaller Marie Scott, 98, said: “London was manic, everyone kissing and hugging.”
But she added: “Within a forseeable future, there will be nobody left to talk about their participation in World War Two.”
VE DAY 80
DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE OF NATIONAL COMMEMORATIONS
Monday 5 May – Bank Holiday Kick-Off
– Cenotaph draped in Union Flags as a national focal point for remembrance.
– Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
– Red Arrows and historic WWII aircraft flypast over London.
– HMS Belfast hosts a special wartime street party on the Thames.
– Street parties and community celebrations across the UK.
Tuesday 6 May – Tower of London Tribute
– 30,000 ceramic poppies return to the Tower of London in a new installation.
– UK landmarks illuminated in honour of those who served.
Wednesday 7 May – Churchill’s Victory Speech Remembered
– Westminster Hall hosts a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert, 80 years after Churchill’s iconic announcement.
Thursday 8 May – VE Day 80 Main Event
– Service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
– Huge concert at Horse Guards Parade, featuring celebrity performers, military musicians, and 10,000 attendees.
![Colourful crowds swarming over an RAF lorry exemplify the patriotic and celebratory spirit of VE Day in London. (8 May 1945) UK: COLOURISED pictures celebrate the 75th anniversary of Britain’s triumph over the Nazi’s. Images show Winston Churchill being swarmed by a sea of joyous Brits, a street party taking place in Manchester and a […]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/crop-33686217.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
King Charles will join the commemorations[/caption]
