VE Day

After nearly six years of devastating conflict, on the 8th May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced in a radio broadcast to the nation that Nazi Germany had signed an unconditional surrender the day before, officially marking the end of World War II in Europe. Celebrations erupted across Great Britain as millions rejoiced in the news, a day which is now known as VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day. For a country that had endured relentless air raids during the Blitz, strict rationing, and widespread destruction, VE Day brought a sense of overwhelming relief and joy, marking the triumph of the Allied forces in defeating fascism in Europe.

On VE Day in 1945, the streets of Britain came alive with spontaneous celebrations. In London, vast crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to cheer on Winston Churchill, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and other members of the Royal Family. Unbeknownst to the public at the time, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret were secretly allowed to leave the Palace to join the jubilant crowds anonymously – an experience which our beloved former monarch later called ‘one of the most memorable nights of [her] life’. The day was declared a national holiday, with street parties, music, and dancing going on well into the night, while St Paul’s Cathedral held continuous services to thousands of attendees expressing their gratitude to the heroes who fought and remembering the many lives tragically lost.

The 8th of May 2025 will mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a host of exciting celebrations planned across the UK. Festivities will begin at 9am with the raising of the VE Day flag, continuing all day as street parties take place up and down the country. Many towns and cities will celebrate with local community events, and a special commemorative service is expected to take place at St Paul’s Cathedral. Members of the Royal Family will attend key observances, and the nation will participate in a moment of reflective silence. The Royal Albert Hall will stage a star-studded concert, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra alongside acclaimed guest vocalists. At 9:30pm, as a fitting end to the day, beacons and lamp lights of peace will be illuminated in remembrance of all those who served.