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The United Kingdom has begun four days of commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, celebrating the end of World War Two in Europe. The events began on bank holiday Monday and will culminate on Thursday, May 8, exactly eight decades since the Allied victory was declared.
Royal and Military Tributes
King Charles III will lead the nation’s tributes from the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, accompanied by Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and World War Two veterans. The royal family will also witness a special flypast from the balcony of the palace.
Among those participating in the ceremonial march is 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, who will symbolically pass the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace to air cadet Warrant Officer Emmy Jones to begin the procession. Over 1,300 members of the Armed Forces and youth organisations are taking part, including Ukrainian soldiers currently training in the UK under Operation Interflex.
Actor Timothy Spall opened the celebrations by reading excerpts from Winston Churchill’s 1945 VE Day speech, emphasizing national unity and the sacrifice of the British people.
Lighting Up the Nation
On Tuesday evening, iconic landmarks including the Palace of Westminster, the Shard, Cardiff Castle, and Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in tribute to the anniversary.
National Unity and Reflection
A national two-minute silence will take place on Thursday at Westminster Abbey during a special service of remembrance. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the anniversary is “a moment of national unity” and an opportunity to honour those who fought for peace and freedom.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy encouraged communities to come together through street parties, picnics, and local events to celebrate and reflect on the sacrifices made.
RAF Flypast Details
A major highlight will be Wednesday’s RAF flypast featuring 23 aircraft including the Red Arrows, Lancaster Bomber, and Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets. The flypast begins at 1:45 p.m., with restricted airspace across designated zones from Norfolk to Oxfordshire and Greater London.
Wing Commander Andrew Watson said the flypast will be a “fitting and appropriate tribute” to the millions who served during the war.
The commemorations are supported by The Together Coalition, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Big Lunch as part of the Great British Food Festival, encouraging nationwide gatherings in honour of VE Day 80.
