VE Day Celebrations In 2025

In 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, there will be a total of four days of celebrations and events across the United Kingdom.

Despite there being four days of celebrations for VE Day across the UK, there won’t be a specific bank holiday dedicated to the 80th anniversary of VE Day. However, the four days of celebrations are not far after the early May bank holiday on Monday, 5th May. 

If you’d like to be involved with the VE Day celebrations, there are a whole host of events taking place across the UK – from street parties, to commemorative services, the lighting of beacons and a flypast in London.

A majority of the main VE Day events will take place in London, however, there will be additional smaller scale commemorative events across the UK. 

VE Day Events in London

From the early May bank holiday on 5th May, the Cenotaph, Britain’s national war memorial in central London, will be draped in Union Jack Flags. On the same day, there will also be a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, which will then conclude with a flypast of the iconic Red Arrows, as well as modern and historic aircraft.

In addition, a street party will be held on HMS Belfast, which is now permanently moored on the River Thames. HMS Belfast served during the Second World War and fired some of the opening shots on D-Day, making it one of the Royal Navy’s most iconic wartime ships.   

On the actual anniversary of VE Day, which takes place during the week on Thursday, 8th May in 2025, a commemorative service will be held at Westminster Abbey, which will include a celebratory concert. 

From 8th May to 9th May, the HMS Wellington, which served as a convoy escort ship during the Second World War, and is also moored on the River Thames, will be hosting a number of VE Day themed events. 

On 8th May, the Royal Albert Hall will be hosting a commemorative VE Day 80 event, which will include performances from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the RAF Squadronaires. 

VE Day Celebrations Closer To Home

If you can’t make it to London for the celebrations, don’t worry, it’s more than likely there will be various VE Day events taking place close to your home. 

The UK Government has called on towns and villages to light beacons on 8th May 2025 at 9:30PM. You can find out if this is happening near you by visiting ve80.com. 

Across the country, churches and cathedrals are being encouraged to ring their church bells in celebration at 6:30PM on 8th May. 

It’s also highly likely that your local town crier will be doing a VE Day 80th anniversary proclamation at 9AM on 8th May. If you’re not sure where the proclamation will be taking place, you might be able to find out if you visit your local council’s website or ask on local Facebook groups. 

If you live in Scotland, Scottish Pipers will be paying tribute to the fallen of the Second World War by playing bagpipes at various locations across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Balmoral, Crathes, and Castle of Mey on 8th May at 12PM. More details of locations across Scotland can be found at ve80.com.

In addition, the UK Government is also calling upon local communities to host their own street and garden parties over the four days of celebrations, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Days. Schools, care homes, pubs, sports clubs, community halls, hotels and restaurants are all encouraged to host their own VE Day parties – whether it’s in the form of a tea party, buffet or barbecue.