Britain Gears Up for Epic VE Day 80 Bash on May 5!
Massive Military Parade and Spectacular Flypast
Get ready! On Monday 5 May, the nation will unite to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day. A grand military procession will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace with more than 1,300 Armed Forces members, youth groups, and uniformed services. The spectacle honours millions across the UK and Commonwealth who served in WWII.
As Big Ben strikes midday, an actor will recite Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech. There’ll be a symbolic torch handover, with 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett receiving the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s “Torch for Peace” from a youngster.
Iconic Route Through London’s Historic Heart
The parade, led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, will pass the Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, move through Admiralty Arch, and march down The Mall to Buckingham Palace. Following them is a tri-service line-up from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, plus cadets carrying the VE Day spirit into the future.
Prime Minister and Veterans to Watch from VIP Dais
The Prime Minister and Royal British Legion veterans will watch the event from the Queen Victoria Memorial. The day peaks with a jaw-dropping flypast of 23 aircraft, including Typhoons, F-35 jets, Voyager and P8 Poseidon planes, plus the stunning Red Arrows trailing red, white, and blue smoke. Historic planes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will roar across the skies too.
Nationwide Street Parties and Festivities
Communities across the UK are urged to join in with VE Day 80 street parties, picnics, and celebrations under the Great British Food Festival banner, backed by the Together Coalition and The Big Lunch.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “VE Day 80 is a chance to celebrate our veterans and pass on their legacy of peace. Whether watching on TV or partying with neighbours, everyone can take part.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP added: “The whole nation is invited to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace and ensure their legacy lives on.”
Veteran Alan Kennett recalled: “I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party followed. The 80th anniversary brings back so many memories — it will be a privilege to be there.”
More Commemorations on May 8
The celebrations continue on Thursday 8 May, the exact date of VE Day, with a national service at Westminster Abbey. Later, a star-studded concert at Horse Guards Parade will bring the war’s end story to life.
The parade will also feature Armed Forces from Commonwealth nations, led by the Band of the Irish Guards and joined by musicians from the Household Cavalry, Royal Marines, and the Royal Corps of Army Music.
This once-in-a-lifetime event invites all Britons to honour the past and celebrate peace. Don’t miss the full procession and flypast live across the UK!
