VE-Day

VE Day 80 – Thursday 8th May 2025 – A Shared Moment of Celebration

Victory in Europe Day is the day we remember the formal acceptance by the World War II coalition ofAlliesofGermany's unconditional surrender, on Tuesday 8 May 1945 and the official end of all German military operations.

On Thursday 8 May 2025, we will be marking the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day. We will come together to mark the passing of 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. It is estimated that between 15 and 20 million people died in Europe alone during the war.

VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also an opportunity to reflect on and be grateful for the peace and the unity that the UK and Europe have, for the most part, enjoyed since then.

Everyone is encouraged to be involved in this anniversary. Nationally, the aim is to have a day of joy, celebration and reflection. It gives us an opportunity as a nation to reaffirm our commitment to world peace, and help younger generations to understand and cherish its value.

At 9am Town Criers in towns around the country will call out the VE Day Proclamation as VE Day 80 flags are raised. At midday pipers will play a tune written especially for the occasion entitled ‘Celebratum’ from the top of each of the highest peaks in the United Kingdom’s four nations.

At 6.30pm, bells in cathedrals and churches will ring out in unison around the country. And at 9.30pm over a thousand beacons will be lit, their light representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.

Please do come and join us for the lighting of the beacon on Buckland Common (just to the east of St Andrew’s Church) at 9.30pm on Thursday 8 May 2025. Complimentary refreshments will be available from 8pm.

“Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace”.

We look forward to seeing you.