VE Day 2025 to be marked with 4 days of historic events and royal tributes
Red Arrows soar over the Mall for VE Day 80 celebrations on May 5, 2025 (Photo: Getty Images)
A grand four-day program of events will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe, according to Sky News.
From Monday 5 May to Thursday 8 May 2025, the UK is hosting a range of nationwide events to honour the momentous occasion when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces on 8 May 1945.
Cavalry leads the VE Day parade (Screenshot: YouTube)
The government-organized celebrations began with a major military procession starting in Parliament Square at midday on Monday.
Thousands on The Mall during the parade (Screenshot: YouTube)
An actor delivered iconic lines from Winston Churchill's VE Day speech, followed by the symbolic passing of the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace from a young person to a 100-year-old Normandy veteran.
Crowds at the Victoria Memorial (Screenshot: YouTube)
Leading the parade were the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, with the route stretching from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
"The King and Queen, along with other members of the Royal Family, observed the march alongside Second World War veterans," Sky News reports.
Royal family and veterans in the stands (Screenshot: YouTube)
A dramatic flypast at 1:45 pm featured 23 modern and historic aircraft, including the Red Arrows and WWII-era planes from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Street parties, concerts, and local events are taking place nationwide, echoing the jubilation felt in 1945.
Main stage at Buckingham Palace (Screenshot: YouTube)
Buckingham Palace is also hosting a tea party for veterans, and iconic warship HMS Belfast is joining in with music, talks, and 1940s-themed festivities.
Poppies, performances and national tributes continue all week
On 6 May, the famous ceramic poppies from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation will return to the Tower of London, with the Queen expected to attend.
"The exhibit is a chance to reflect on the sacrifice of so many during the Second World War," designer Tom Piper explained.
In the evening, national landmarks will light up, captured by live aerial footage.
The following night, 7 May, Westminster Hall will host a VE Day anniversary concert featuring the Parliament Choir and guest performers.
Then, on 8 May, a national service will take place at Westminster Abbey, followed by a two-minute silence across the UK.
That evening, over 12,000 people, including the King and Queen, will attend a major concert at the Horse Guards Parade, with stars, military bands, and youth representatives contributing to a moving finale.
The day will end with the lighting of 2,500 beacons across the UK.
As the official events wrap up, local communities will carry on the celebration into the weekend with vintage dances, parades, concerts, and WWII-themed gatherings - ensuring VE Day 80 is remembered across generations.
