A four-day celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day began as commemorations marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe saw veterans join together to pay tribute to all those who served in the conflict and reflect on the values that they fought for.
With Bank Holiday in Britain seeing VE Day 80 set commemorations going, street parties were the order of the day when Britain and Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. It was at 15:00 on 8th. May 1945, that saw Prime Minister Winston Churchill announce that the war in Europe had come to an end, following the Nazi’s surrender - sparking spontaneous celebrations across the land.
Starting a week of celebrations, King Charles will be overseeing, as there will be four days of events, includes a military procession from Whitehall, in central London, to Buckingham Palace, yesterday (May 5), followed by a flypast of current and historical military aircraft, including the Red Arrows, with the Cenotaph, on Whitehall, draped in union jacks.
There was also a party on the warship HMS Belfast, on the Thames, with street parties around the country. Armed forces from Nato allies joined a procession in London, as UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “This week’s events are a reminder that victory was not just for Britain.
As the week goes on, today (May 6), an installation of ceramic poppies will be seen at the Tower of London, to mark the anniversary as historic landmarks across the UK will also be lit up. On May 7, a concert is set to be held in Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, in central London, before, on May 8, a service will be held in Westminster Abbey and a concert for up to 10,000 members of the public, will take place at Horse Guards Parade, in central London.
Later this year, a service led by the Royal British Legion is set to be held at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to commemorate VJ Day, or Victory in Japan Day, and the end of the war.
That date - for the diary - is August 15.