“VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.”
Britain is ablaze with patriotic pride today as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day — a momentous milestone in our country’s history.
From the Palace of Westminster to Cardiff Castle, iconic landmarks across the UK have been dramatically illuminated in red, white and blue to commemorate eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe. The nationwide tribute is part of a four-day programme of remembrance and celebration that began on Monday, 5 May.
Today, on 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace — a hard-won freedom for which millions paid the ultimate sacrifice.
VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for liberty, but a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined Britain ever since. In cities, villages, and neighbourhoods, Britons are being encouraged to gather in streets, gardens, town and city halls, clubs, pubs and homes to reflect and rejoice — reaffirming, as part of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people, our unwavering commitment to world peace and its enduring importance for generations to come.
The day of national observance will begin at 9am, with Town Criers across the country performing the VE Day Proclamation as commemorative flags were raised high. At 12 noon, pipers will scale the UK’s four highest peaks to perform a specially composed piece entitled ‘Celebratum’, echoing across mountaintops as a salute to the courage of the wartime generation.
This evening, a series of symbolic moments will bring the commemorations to a rousing close. At 6:30pm, Cathedrals and Churches will ring out in unison in celebration. Then, at 9:30pm, more than 1,000 beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man — their flames representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the shadows of conflict.
In city squares, village greens and countless public spaces, people are expected to stand shoulder to shoulder to sing the rousing hymn ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ — a powerful gesture of national gratitude and unity, honouring the sacrifices made to secure the freedoms we cherish today.
A spokesperson said: “Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace.”
More information on events and how to participate can be found at https://ve80.com.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PAGEANTMASTER:
On 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it.
VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
We encourage everyone to take part and gather in the streets, gardens, town and city halls, clubs and pubs, and at home too, and be part of this anniversary providing a day of joy, reflection, and celebration, as part of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people, reaffirming our commitment to world peace, ensuring future generations understand and cherish its value.
At 9am Town Criers will undertake the VE Day Proclamation as the VE Day 80 flags are raised, and at 12noon, Pipers will play a unique tune especially written for the occasion entitled ‘Celebratum’ from the top of the UK’s four highest Peaks and at 6.30pm, Cathedrals and Churches will ring out in united celebration throughout the nation, and at 9.30pm over one thousand of beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace will shine throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, with the flames from them both, representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war, along with the nation coming together in city and town squares to village greens, and all other manner of locations at this special and unique one moment in time, and sing the great British Hymn ‘I Vow To Thee My Country, standing side by side in gratitude, honouring the many sacrifices that secured our freedom.
“Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace”.
Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR
