The nation is being called upon to come together on Monday 5 May to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with a grand military procession, flypast and community celebrations to honour those who served in the Second World War.
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, youth groups, and uniformed services will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace in a commemorative event designed to pay tribute to the millions across the UK and Commonwealth who contributed to the war effort.
The Bank Holiday Monday procession begins at midday, as Big Ben chimes and an actor delivers extracts from Winston Churchill’s historic VE Day speech. The ceremony will include a symbolic passing of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s “Torch for Peace” from a young person to 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett, who served in the Normandy campaign.
Led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, the parade will pass Whitehall and the Cenotaph—adorned with Union Flags—before continuing through Admiralty Arch and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
A tri-service contingent of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force will follow, joined by cadets and youth uniformed organisations to represent the passing of VE Day’s message to new generations.
The Prime Minister and veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch from a special dais at the Queen Victoria Memorial. The event will culminate in a spectacular flypast over The Mall featuring 23 aircraft including Typhoons, F-35s, the Voyager and P8 Poseidon, and the iconic Red Arrows trailing red, white and blue smoke. Historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also take to the skies.
Communities across the UK are encouraged to celebrate with VE Day 80 street parties, picnics, and gatherings under the banner of the Great British Food Festival, supported by the Together Coalition and The Big Lunch.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations. Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP added:
“Our whole nation is invited to join together to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who fought for peace and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.”
Veteran Alan Kennett recalled:
“I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party soon followed… The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there.”
The commemorations will continue on Thursday 8 May—the exact date of VE Day—with a national service at Westminster Abbey, followed by an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade where stars of stage and screen will tell the story of the war’s end.
The Armed Forces of Commonwealth nations will also participate in the procession, led by the Band of the Irish Guards and joined by military musicians from the Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, HM Royal Marines, and the Royal Corps of Army Music.
This once-in-a-generation occasion invites people of all backgrounds to honour the past and celebrate peace. The full procession and flypast will be broadcast live across the UK.
