Britain is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War Two in 1945. A four-day celebration has been planned across the UK, featuring a military parade, flypast, and a major concert.
This significant occasion will take place as part of the early May bank holiday weekend, allowing people across the country to reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
The government has confirmed these national events but has not announced an additional bank holiday. Many British workers are now wondering whether they will receive any extra time off to mark the occasion.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming VE Day 80 celebrations and bank holiday plans.
What Are the Plans for VE Day 2025?
The 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025 will be marked with a series of grand national celebrations across the UK.
Over four days, the country will witness military parades, flypasts, commemorative installations, and concerts, all paying tribute to the sacrifices made during World War Two.
Key Events of VE Day 80 Celebrations
- Monday, 5 May: The first day of celebrations will focus on military honours. A procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, featuring serving personnel, veterans, and military bands. The Cenotaph, the UK’s principal war memorial, will be decorated with Union flags in tribute to those who served. A flypast by the Red Arrows and other military aircraft will also take place over London.
- Tuesday, 6 May: A poppy installation will be unveiled at the Tower of London, serving as a visual representation of the sacrifices made during the war. The poppies, a well-known symbol of remembrance, will be displayed in an artistic format to honour fallen soldiers.
- Wednesday, 7 May: This day will commemorate Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech, which was delivered to the nation in 1945. Public screenings and radio broadcasts will allow people across the UK to relive the moment. A special concert at Westminster Hall will bring together renowned artists and orchestras to perform musical pieces from the wartime era, paying tribute to those who lived through the conflict.
- Thursday, 8 May: The final day of celebrations will see a major service at Westminster Abbey, attended by world leaders, veterans, and members of the royal family. The event will honour those who fought for peace and commemorate the importance of VE Day in shaping modern Britain. In the evening, 10,000 people will attend a large-scale commemorative concert at Horse Guards Parade, featuring some of the biggest names in music.
These events will provide an opportunity for the British public to reflect on the values of courage, unity, and sacrifice that defined the wartime generation.
VE Day 80: Four-Day Celebration Schedule
| Date | Key Events | Locations | Details |
| Monday, 5 May 2025 | Military Procession & Flypast | Whitehall to Buckingham Palace | Parade featuring military personnel, veterans, and the Red Arrows flypast |
| Tuesday, 6 May 2025 | Poppy Installation | Tower of London | Unveiling of a large-scale poppy display honouring war heroes |
| Wednesday, 7 May 2025 | Churchill’s Victory Speech Tribute & Concert | Westminster Hall | Nationwide screenings of Churchill’s 1945 broadcast and a concert featuring orchestras and wartime music |
| Thursday, 8 May 2025 | Westminster Abbey Service & Horse Guards Parade Concert | Westminster Abbey & Horse Guards Parade | Official service attended by world leaders and veterans, followed by a grand evening concert with 10,000 attendees |
Will the UK Get a Four-Day Bank Holiday for VE Day?
Despite the large-scale celebrations planned for VE Day 80, the UK government has confirmed that no additional bank holiday will be granted.
This means that although the four-day celebration period is officially recognised, it will not translate into an extended bank holiday break for workers.
The early May bank holiday on Monday, 5 May, will be incorporated into the commemorative events, serving as the designated public holiday for VE Day-related activities.
However, no extra time off will be provided on the following days, meaning that businesses, schools, and services will operate as usual.
Many had anticipated an additional bank holiday, similar to those declared for events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and King Charles III’s Coronation in 2023.
However, the government has stated that existing public holidays will be used for commemorations, rather than adding a new national holiday to the calendar.
What Are the Official UK Bank Holiday Dates for 2025?
Although there will be no special VE Day bank holiday, the UK’s official bank holiday schedule for 2025 remains unchanged. These are the public holidays confirmed for the year:
England and Wales Bank Holidays 2025
- Friday, 18 April – Good Friday
- Monday, 21 April – Easter Monday
- Monday, 5 May – Early May Bank Holiday (aligned with VE Day celebrations)
- Monday, 26 May – Spring Bank Holiday
- Monday, 25 August – Summer Bank Holiday
- Thursday, 25 December – Christmas Day
- Friday, 26 December – Boxing Day
These dates mean that while the early May bank holiday will align with the start of VE Day celebrations, the remaining days of the event will not be designated as official public holidays.
Why Is There No Extra Bank Holiday for VE Day?
The UK government has ruled out the possibility of an additional bank holiday, citing economic considerations and business impacts as key reasons.
In a statement, Downing Street confirmed that while the historical significance of VE Day is recognised, granting an extra bank holiday would create challenges for businesses and essential services.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated:
“We will look to use the existing May Day bank holiday for commemorative events. We are committed to commemorating these nationally important occasions appropriately, which is why we have announced more than £10 million to mark them.”
The government has emphasised that while extra bank holidays have been granted for major royal events and national celebrations, they must be balanced against the potential impact on the economy.
Additional public holidays often result in reduced productivity, disruptions to essential services, and financial costs to businesses.
Rather than creating a new bank holiday, the government has allocated £10 million to support VE Day 80 commemorations. This funding will be used for:
- Organising large-scale public events, including parades, concerts, and historical exhibitions.
- Supporting educational initiatives, ensuring that schools and communities have resources to teach future generations about VE Day.
- Providing financial assistance to veteran organisations, helping them participate in commemorative activities.
While some members of the public and political figures have advocated for a one-off bank holiday, the government has maintained its stance that existing public holidays are sufficient for commemorating VE Day.
How Can People Participate in VE Day 80 Celebrations?
Although there will be no additional bank holiday, people across the UK will still have numerous opportunities to take part in VE Day 80 events. Many of the activities planned will be accessible to the public, allowing individuals and families to engage with the celebrations.
Ways to Get Involved
- Attend Official Events: The government and local councils will be hosting parades, memorial services, and concerts in major cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
- Watch Live Broadcasts: Key moments from the celebrations, such as the Westminster Abbey service and Horse Guards Parade concert, will be televised and streamed online for those unable to attend in person.
- Join Local Commemorations: Many towns and communities will organise their own remembrance services, street parties, and historical exhibitions to mark the occasion.
- Engage in Educational Activities: Schools and cultural institutions will be running talks, museum exhibitions, and storytelling sessions about World War Two and the significance of VE Day.
- Visit Historical Sites: Locations such as the Imperial War Museum, Tower of London, Bletchley Park, and the National Memorial Arboretum will feature special exhibitions dedicated to VE Day and its legacy.
VE Day 80 is expected to be one of the largest national commemorations in recent years, bringing people together to honour veterans, reflect on the impact of war, and celebrate the peace and freedom that followed.
While the lack of an additional bank holiday may disappoint some, the extensive programme of events ensures that the anniversary will be remembered on a grand national scale.
How Will Schools and Communities Mark VE Day 80?
Schools and local communities across the UK will play an essential role in the 80th-anniversary celebrations of VE Day.
Many educational institutions, historical societies, and community organisations are planning events, exhibitions, and remembrance activities to help people of all ages understand the significance of this momentous occasion.
Planned Activities for Schools and Communities
- Educational Programmes: Schools will incorporate World War Two history lessons, storytelling sessions, and guest talks from veterans to educate students about the impact of the war and the importance of VE Day. Special assemblies will be held to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.
- Historical Reenactments: Some schools and local history groups will organise reenactments of key wartime events, allowing students and community members to experience what life was like during the war years.
- Commemorative Displays and Art Projects: Many schools and communities will create memorial walls, poster exhibitions, and poppy-themed art projects to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. These projects aim to foster reflection and appreciation for those who fought for Britain’s freedom.
- VE Day Street Parties: Similar to the spontaneous celebrations that took place in 1945, local communities are expected to organise traditional street parties, where people can come together to enjoy food, music, and entertainment reminiscent of the wartime era.
- Moment of Silence and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: Schools and community groups will hold silent tributes and wreath-laying ceremonies at local war memorials to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict.
By engaging in these activities, younger generations will have the opportunity to connect with the stories of courage, resilience, and unity that shaped Britain’s wartime history.
How Will VE Day 80 Be Remembered in Popular Culture?
As one of the most significant anniversaries in modern British history, VE Day 80 is expected to be widely covered in television, film, literature, and media.
Several documentaries, special broadcasts, and theatrical productions will highlight the experiences of those who lived through the war and the historic events that led to Victory in Europe.
Television and Film Tributes
- Special BBC and ITV Broadcasts: Major broadcasters such as BBC and ITV will produce historical documentaries, interviews with veterans, and archival footage showcasing the events of 1945 and their lasting impact.
- Feature Films and Dramas: Filmmakers and streaming platforms may release new documentaries or period dramas focusing on the end of World War Two and the celebrations that followed.
- Remastered War Footage: Some networks are expected to remaster and colourise archival war footage, providing a more immersive look into VE Day celebrations as they unfolded eight decades ago.
Books and Literature
- Historical Accounts and Memoirs: Publishers will release books and memoirs from veterans, war correspondents, and historians, offering personal and in-depth perspectives on VE Day.
- Children’s Books on VE Day: To educate younger readers, publishers may introduce illustrated books and storytelling guides that bring the events of 8 May 1945 to life in an engaging and accessible way.
Music and Theatre Tributes
- VE Day Concerts: In addition to the large commemorative concert at Horse Guards Parade, smaller concerts across the UK will feature wartime classics, patriotic songs, and performances by contemporary artists paying tribute to the wartime generation.
- Stage Productions and Plays: Some theatres may stage historical plays and musicals inspired by VE Day, highlighting the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of the war’s end.
Through these artistic and cultural tributes, VE Day 80 will be remembered not just as a historical event but as a defining moment in Britain’s national identity, celebrated across generations.
Conclusion
The UK’s four-day celebration of VE Day 80 will be a historic occasion, featuring military tributes, concerts, and public commemorations.
However, despite speculation, the government has confirmed that there will be no additional bank holiday beyond the early May bank holiday on Monday, 5 May 2025.
While some may be disappointed by the decision, the extensive schedule of national events and £10 million in funding ensures that the sacrifices of the World War Two generation are remembered appropriately.
As the UK prepares for this landmark anniversary, individuals, families, and communities can take part in various celebrations, historical tributes, and acts of remembrance to honour those who fought for peace and freedom.
FAQs
What Is VE Day and Why Is It Celebrated?
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War Two in Europe on 8 May 1945. It is celebrated to honour the sacrifices made during the war and to commemorate the victory over Nazi Germany.
Will the UK Have a Four-Day Bank Holiday for VE Day 80?
No, the UK government has confirmed that there will be no additional bank holiday for VE Day 80. The early May bank holiday on 5 May 2025 will be used for commemorative events.
What Events Are Planned for VE Day’s 80th Anniversary?
The celebrations will include a military procession, Red Arrows flypast, poppy installation, concerts, and a special service at Westminster Abbey attended by world leaders and veterans.
Why Did the Government Decide Against an Extra Bank Holiday?
The government cited economic impacts on businesses and services, stating that the existing May bank holiday is sufficient for national commemorations. Instead, £10 million has been allocated for VE Day 80 events.
How Can People Participate in the VE Day 80 Celebrations?
People can attend official events, watch live broadcasts, join local commemorations, visit museums, and engage in educational activities related to World War Two.
Will There Be a National Moment of Silence for VE Day 80?
Although not officially confirmed, previous VE Day anniversaries have included moments of silence to honour those who served in World War Two. Details may be announced closer to the event.
Where Can I Watch the VE Day 80 Events If I Can’t Attend?
Major events, including the Westminster Abbey service and Horse Guards Parade concert, will be broadcast live on TV and online by the BBC and other networks.