Best VE Day 80 Celebrations Near You: From Street Parties to Live Choirs

VE Day signifies the conclusion of the Second World War in Europe, and this year marks its 80th commemoration.

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Various memorial events are scheduled across the country, featuring key moments such as an impressive military parade. flypast across Central London, the illumination of 2,500 beacons nationwide, along with a distinctive tea party at Buckingham Palace organized by King Charles and Queen Camilla for the war veterans.

No matter if you're joining a small community meetup or going to a bigger shindig, there are numerous opportunities to participate.

Here are 15 fantastic events occurring close to your location.

'The year was 1945'..., Staffordshire

The National Memorial Arboretum is set to host a range of exhibits, lectures, and guided tours designed to offer insights into life from 1945. This gathering aims to share tales of individuals who resided and worked eight decades back through various activities such as live shows, swing dance classes reminiscent of the '40s, group singing sessions, and letters reading. Admission is free; dates are from May 3rd to May 5th. thenma.org.uk

VE Day celebrations, Brighton

Brighton Palace Pier is turning back the clock with a weekend of nostalgic celebrations. Visitors can enjoy a specially curated 40s playlist on Pier Radio, watch vintage newsreel footage on a big screen during the day, and settle in for classic black-and-white films in the evening. The pier will be decked out in festive bunting, and free entry will be offered to cadets and their families throughout the weekend. Prices vary, 3-5 May, brightonpier.co.uk

Celebrate VE80, Gloucestershire

Go to Berkeley Castle to enjoy fantastic live shows from the performers. D-Day Darlings (as seen on Britain’s Got Talent Enjoy a taste of the 1940s brought vividly to life! Encounter a Winston Churchill impersonator wandering around the area, and travel back in time alongside Second World War re-enactors providing an accurate look at frontline living. Admission prices: adults £18, children £10; those under 3 years old get in for free. The event takes place from April 4th to May 5th. berkeley-castle.com

VE80 Fest, Lancashire

Darwen is currently hosting Blackburn. VE80 Fes Enjoy entertainment at Witton County Park featuring live music from bands and vocalists, carnival rides, an inflatable obstacle course, classic cars, and traditional tea services. You can purchase items from charity booths and food hawkers offering various goods, as well as watch exhibitions by public groups and military personnel. Admission is free; event takes place on 5th May from noon till 5 PM.

VE Day 80 Celebratory Best of British Market, West Berkshire

The Broadway in Thatcham will turn into an exciting center filled with national pride and joyful festivities featuring craft booths, street food sellers, and live performances for the Best of British market. Dressing up in vintage attire is welcome. Admission is free on 5th May. thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/best-of-british-market

VE Day Anniversary BBQ, Cardiff

Cardiff Castle will hold an exclusive celebration picnic from 11 AM to 5 PM. The event features complimentary entertainment such as live music, puppetry performances, circus acts, and kids' crafting sessions. Admission is not needed—just bring your own picnic and have fun. It’s all free of charge on May 5th. cardiffcastle.com

Military procession and fly past, London

London will be at the heart of four days of VE Day celebrations, running from Monday 5 May to Thursday 8 May. Festivities begin with a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace , followed by an air show on Monday. On Tuesday, a stunning display of ceramic poppies will be revealed at the Tower of London . Wednesday brings a commemorative concert in Westminster Hall, and the celebrations will conclude with a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.

Scotland’s Salute, Edinburgh

Organised by The Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland , this musical extravaganza at Usher Hall will focus on telling the events that lead to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance, music and entertainment will be provided by The Band of HM Royal Marines, The Military Wives Choirs’ Scotland and solo violinist Iona McDonald. Tickets from £19.45, 6 May, usherhall.co.uk

VE Day 80 Celebration, Belfast

Organized by comedian Tim McGarry and historian Dr David Hume at City Hall, spend an evening immersed in memories and melodies that bring back the atmosphere and celebrations following the declaration of VE Day in Belfast on May 8, 1945. The event will include readings from various sources. Northern Ireland War Memorial Oral History Collection , a brass band performance and a replica of the Supermarine Spitfire, which was utilized by the Allied Forces during World War II. Admission free, on 7 May. belfastcity.gov.uk/events/ve-day-80th-anniversary

VE Day Remembrance Event, Newcastle

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The memorial event at Old Eaton Square will feature addresses, dedications, laying of wreaths, and music performed by pipers from the Newcastle City Pipe Band. After the ceremony, veterans can partake in a classic dish of fish and chips served from a mobile van located in Old Eldon Square. Admission is free; this event takes place on May 8th.

'This Is Your Triumph' at Chartwell House, Kent

Travel back in time and learn about the significant part Winston Churchill had in VE Day during your visit to his old residence, Chartwell House. Browse through carefully chosen pieces from their collection and hear tales of how his community celebrated the conclusion of the conflict. Families will have fun following an engaging path throughout the grounds. Be sure not to miss the live jazz concert performed by the Adam Jones Quintet beneath the Marlborough Pavilion between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Admission is free on May 8th. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell

Beacon lighting, Kent

The Mayor of Folkestone is organizing a beacon-lighting ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at The Leas. Various local choirs along with a cadet band will perform at the bandstand starting at 8 pm, followed by the illumination of the beacon at 9:30 pm. This event is free and scheduled for May 8th. folkestone-tc.gov.uk

Lanterns of Peace in Somerset

Stop by the Somerset Rural Life Museum to create your own flag and tealight holder in preparation for the VE Day festivities. Regular entry fees apply (£10 for adults, £4.75 for those aged 5-17, with children under 5 admitted free of charge). This event takes place on May 8th. swheritage.org.uk/events/ve-day

VE Day 80 sail-by, West Sussex

Participate in the Selsey gathering at East Beach Green for an emotional night of remembrance and celebration marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The events will commence at 7:15 pm with a boat parade along the waterfront. RNLI Selsey Lifeboat , Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team, and Selsey Fishermen, before a sing along with the Chichester City Band and finally the lighting of the beacon. Free, 8 May.

Beacon Lighting, Liverpool

Four lighthouses will be illuminated at Exchange Flags , representing peace and remembrance during a special event with addresses from local officials and a solo piper performance. These beacons are strategically placed to mirror the four remaining wartime bunker walls underneath the area — formerly an essential command center during World War I. Furthermore, prominent municipal structures throughout Liverpool will glow in shades of red, white, and blue; meanwhile, the bells at both of Liverpool’s cathedrals along with the city parish church will join in for "Together We Chime" VE80 celebration. Admission free, on 8th May. cultureliverpool.co.uk/events/ve-day-80-anniversary