The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will be marked with nationwide celebrations for VE Day and VJ Day.
Festivities are set to kick off on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, with street parties and parades planned across London and beyond.
“The events are an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth,” a Government spokesman said.
See also: Ideas and events in London to commemorate VE Day 2025
Veterans of the conflict will attend the events, and Britons are urged to participate in the celebrations. "This may be our last chance to thank the survivors," the spokesman added.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 events.
What do VE and VJ Day mean?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It commemorates May 8, 1945, when Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that fighting in Europe against Nazi Germany had ended.
However, this was not the official end of the Second World War, as many European soldiers were still engaged in combat with Japan.
The war officially concluded on August 15, 1945, after the US dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This date — and September 2 (when Japan formally signed its surrender) — is called VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day).
How was VE Day first celebrated in the UK?
On May 8, 1945, people across the UK poured into the streets to celebrate the end of the war in Europe, gathering with family, friends, and neighbours. In London, huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace, proudly waving the Union Jack and wearing red, white, and blue. They eagerly awaited the royal family, who made a memorable appearance on the balcony to greet the jubilant public.
However, VE Day was also a day of mixed emotions. While it marked the end of fighting in Europe, it was also a moment of reflection and remembrance for those who had lost their lives during the conflict. It also served as a time to acknowledge that many British soldiers were still engaged in combat in the Pacific, as the war was not yet over worldwide.
How will VE Day 2025 and VJ Day 2025 be celebrated in the UK?
The Government website says: “The commemorations will pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.
“The early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE and VJ Day 80 with events planned including a military procession and flypast of current and historic military aircraft, the return of the poppies to the Tower of London and a nationwide call for families to delve into their lofts and discover their own Second World War stories.”
Wednesday, April 23
The deadline to enter the bunting competition to decorate 10 Downing Street for VE Day and VJ Day is midnight on Wednesday.
The official website says: “Entries will be judged by a special guest at No.10, and the winning designs will be professionally printed and turned into real bunting to decorate 10 Downing Street for VE Day.”
You can also share a letter to a late loved one, which will be displayed in a gallery. Anyone can enter by visiting the official website here.
Friday, May 2
Coventry Cathedral will host its VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert on the Friday (May 2) before the bank holiday, starting at 6.30pm.
The concert will feature performances from Amy Dowden, the D-Day Darlings, star cellist Guy Johnston, the award-winning Brass Band of Central England, and the Coventry Cathedral Girls’ Choir.
For tickets and more details, click here.
Monday, May 5
The Cenotaph, a war memorial in Whitehall, London, will be draped in Union Flags, honouring those who lost their lives during the Second World War. A military procession will occur from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of military aircraft, including the renowned Red Arrows.
A street party will be held aboard the renowned warship, HMS Belfast, which fired some of the opening shots on D-Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War. Street parties, barbecues, and other community events (supported by The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch) will also be held nationwide.
Tuesday, May 6
Marking the anniversary, a ceramic poppy installation will return to the Tower of London. It will symbolise a “wound” and the sacrifices made during the Second World War. In the evening, historic landmarks will be lit up across the nation.
Wednesday, May 7
The Parliament Choir will host a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster, commemorating the declaration of victory 80 years ago.
Thursday, May 8
Westminster Abbey will host a commemorative service. A concert at Horseguards Parade will feature stage and screen stars alongside military musicians, sharing the story of the Second World War in Europe.
The Royal British Legion has advertised a Service of Commemoration for 4pm at Naval Review at the National Memorial Arboretum. Anyone is welcome to attend but those coming must register in advance. The legion is also holding a tea party beforehand for veterans only.
Friday, August 15
The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will hold a service honouring those who fought and died during the war in the Far East.
“The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are important opportunities for communities to come together to pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War and to reflect on the values that they were fighting for,” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said.
“By taking part in these significant commemorations, people across society will be able to hear our veterans’ stories first-hand, to reflect and remember, and ensure that their stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come.”
The Government website says: “The commemorations will be UK-wide with activities across the nations and regions. Further details on the flypast, national events and plans to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day across the UK, and how the public can get involved, will be announced in due course.”
A dedicated interactive VE Day and VJ Day website has been launched with the latest information and ways to get involved at ve-vjday80.gov.uk
