VE and VJ Day 80
Thursday 8 May 2025 will mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE Day) when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long-anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country.
The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945, when Japan surrendered, which was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day). The 80th anniversary of VJ Day takes place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War.
In the lead up to these important anniversaries, a series of national and local events to pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War.
Can your Royal Borough business, organisation or charity help support to:
● Honour those who gave their lives and thank our living veterans and those who contributed to the war effort.
● Connect our nation’s communities, places and stories through our shared histories and impart this history onto the younger generation, with a particular emphasis on the impact of total war.
● Reflect on the freedom and values that the Second World War generation fought to protect.
Ways to get involved:
● Spread the word about VE and VJ Day 80 celebrations on your social media channels. Use #VE80, #VJ80 and #Victory80 on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
● Include information about VE and VJ Day 80 within your own communications and posts.
● Encourage your customers / members to delve into their family history and share letters from relatives during the Second World War as part of the Imperial War Museums’ Letters to Loved Ones campaign.
● Help the next generation learn about VE Day. Access ‘Our Shared Story’ educational materials and resources to connect schoolchildren to stories of the Second World War.
● Pay tribute to our veterans and the sacrifices of the Second World War generation by lighting up historical landmarks, iconic buildings and cultural institutions across the UK in red, white and blue on 6 - 8 May, at 9pm.
Local Businesses:
Are you organising a special VE Day event?
Are you a shop, bakery, brewery or florist selling special themed VE Day products?
Are you selling props, balloons or decorations to help others prepare their street party or event?
To help you prepare, you can click through and read more ideas and tips here: