VE Day 75: UK Celebrates Victory in Style Despite Lockdown
This year’s VE Day marks 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe. But with lockdown rules still in place, traditional street parties are off. The usual bank holiday was shifted from May 4th to May 8th — but that hasn’t stopped the nation from paying tribute.
Lockdown Celebrations: Remembering From Home
Social distancing means no big gatherings with family or neighbours. Instead, Brits are celebrating safely at home and in their gardens, still honouring the day Nazi Germany’s surrender was accepted on May 8, 1945. Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks a historic moment when the Allies won the war in Europe. The spirit lives on with a nationwide programme of events.
Local Heroes: Southampton and Eastleigh’s War Legacy
Southampton and Eastleigh played crucial roles during the war. To mark the occasion, we’ve shared rare footage of the first flights of the Wellington and Spitfire prototype planes from Eastleigh. Plus, iconic speeches from Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill from May 1945 remind us of the era’s gravity.
Today’s VE Day Highlights: Moments You Can’t Miss
- 10:50am: Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle lays a wreath at Westminster on behalf of the House of Commons.
- Lord West will lay a wreath for the House of Lords.
- 11:00am: National two-minute silence for remembrance.
- 12:04pm: Live broadcast of the Battle of Britain VE Flypast over South Hampshire.
- 2:45pm: BBC One airs Churchill’s famous victory speech extracts.
- 2:55pm: Solo buglers, trumpeters, and cornet players perform the Last Post from home.
- 3:00pm: Nationwide toast with Churchill’s speech: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”
- 8:00pm: BBC One special featuring Katherine Jenkins, Adrian Lester, and Beverley Knight performing classic wartime tunes.
- 9:00pm: Queen’s pre-recorded address airs, marking the 75th anniversary of her father King George VI’s wartime speech.
- 9:30pm: Portsmouth lights up the sky with blackouts-inspired spotlights, symbolising hope for brighter days ahead.
Join the Celebration
Got pictures or videos from your VE Day observances? Send them in and share your way of marking this historic day. Let’s make 75 years of VE Day a memorable celebration — even if from afar.
