Will VE Day 2025 Be a Bank Holiday in the UK?

A multitude of individuals are expected to crowd the sidewalks along the route. London the following week to commemorate 80th anniversary of VE Day or VE Day .

The festivities will conclude a week of memorial activities held 80 years later. World War II ended on May 8, 1945.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Family will also be in the audience for the Red Arrows flypast, a Churchill speech performance, and a military procession of 1,300 armed forces members.

The procession will begin in Parliament Square, with a recital of Winston Churchill’s famous VE Day speech, the moment Big Ben strikes noon.

Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old veteran who served in Normandy, will then be handed the Torch for Peace before the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery lead a procession down Whitehall.

Kennett, who travelled to Normandy with the Royal British Legion for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, called it a ‘huge honour’ and said the day ‘brings back so many memories’.

When is VE Day?

Although VE Day is officially observed on May 8—the day marking the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945—celebrations will commence over the May bank holiday starting from Monday, May 5.

Participants will have the opportunity to view the Cenotaph adorned with Union Jacks, along with a military parade moving from Whitehall. Buckingham Palace .

May Day also includes an RAF flyover above London.

On May 8th, this coming Thursday, there will be a celebration at Horse Guards Parade broadcasted live on BBC One.

Furthermore, pubs and bars which typically shut their doors at 11 pm are permitted to serve for an additional two hours on May 8.

Individuals are being urged to mark VE Day through various activities such as illuminating beacons and bonfires or joining the 'great bake', where Individuals are being urged to try making an orange and ginger cake. .

'I'm thrilled to share a recipe for the official Women’s Institute cake in honor of British women's remarkable contributions during World War II, as we celebrate VE Day 80,' stated author Nancy Birtwhistle.

“My recipe was passed down from my grandmother who survived two World Wars,” she mentioned. “Her recipe does not call for mixers or whisks, and the batter won’t curdle.”

'This is my homage to the women who preserved food, diligently working with basic techniques and materials back then.'

Students are likewise being requested to undertake this task. ‘Victory Veg’ displays Create a 'V' shape using red, white, and blue fruits and veggies from your garden, or produce a piece of art or digital collage.

Is Victory in Europe Day a bank holiday in the UK?

VE Day, which falls on May 8, is not considered a bank holiday.

Rather, the early May bank holiday on May 5 has been set aside for community festivities commemorating the anniversary.

UK bank holidays 2025

Here are the forthcoming bank holidays in England and Wales for 2025:

May 5 - Early May banking public holiday
May 26 - Public holiday for spring bank day
August 25 - Public holiday during summer
December 25 - Chrismas Day
December 26 -- Boxing Day

Those who wish to celebrate on that particular day shouldn’t be discouraged, though.

This is due to pubs being permitted to remain open for an additional two hours, enabling revelers to party until 1 am on Fridays.

What are the operating hours of McDonald’s, Greggs, and KFC during bank holidays?

As the country celebrates the end of the Second World War, many will betreating themselves to a takeaway or some fast food.

Most McDonalds , Greggs and KFC outlets will function during regular hours on the bank holiday Monday.

In what ways will the UK commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day?

Monday May 5

Union Jacks will hang over the Cenotaph as a military parade takes place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. including the Red Arrows thundering above the capital and beyond.

Community gatherings will take place throughout the nation during the public holiday.

Tuesday May 6

The rotating exhibit featuring ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, initially set up in 2014 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the First World War, will make a comeback to this historical stronghold.

Wednesday May 7

An anniversary concert for Europe Day will take place in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament, organized by the Parliament Choir.

Thursday May 8

Here we have the genuine VE Day. A ceremony will be held at Westminster Abbey, functioning as an 'act of collective remembrance' and also commemorating the conclusion of the war'.

A concert will also take place at Horseguards Parade to mark the end of commemorations.

Chances are high that a neighborhood celebration might just be happening close to your area. People who have access to country parks, gardens, community halls, or peaceful streets are encouraged to set up their chairs and tables and organize a get-together.

And get ready for plenty of bell ringing as well. Cathedrals have been requested to toll their bells at 6:30 pm in unison as part of an appeal for 'peace,' clarified Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, who chairs the Association of English Cathedrals.

Friday August 15

To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, a ceremony will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The Royal British Legion plans to collaborate with the government to pay tribute to those who perished in the war in the Far East.

Each of the three quick-service restaurants offers special items that you can look up beforehand to ensure accuracy when you stop by.

For those engrossed in watching all the celebrations on television from their homes, getting deliveries might become likely.

McDonald’s, Greggs, and KFC are available on major food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Just Eat.

The article was initially published on April 25, 2025.

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Dunia Tekno