Events are being held to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day during a 4-day commemoration.
VE Day first took place on 8 May 1945, marking the Allied victory in Europe over Nazi Germany. The news resulted in millions of people across the country celebrating the end of the war with parties, dancing and singing.
There will be a national commemoration of the 80th anniversary to run from bank holiday Monday 5 May until Thursday 8 May.
Local events
The council is holding a commemorative event in Walpole Park in Ealing (Mattock Lane entrance) on Thursday 8 May – the 80th anniversary day – starting at 9pm. The hymn, Vow to Thee My Country, will be sung at 9.30pm, and the gathering will culminate with the lighting of the beacon, which is near Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, at 9.45pm.
Council leader Peter Mason said: “While we honour and remember the millions of people who lost their lives during the Second World War, it is also important to celebrate their efforts and the peacetime they brought about on Victory in Europe Day, just as people did 80 years ago.”
You can use this interactive map to find out what VE Day events are happening near you.
A blue plaque will be unveiled at Lawrence Road, South Ealing, on Thursday 8 May to commemorate the courageous efforts of a member of the British forces during the war who used to live in the area.
The plaque has been organised by English Heritage, and the unveiling will be attended by Councillor Mason and Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities.
Residents can apply for a VE Day street party on 5 May by filling in the road closure application form on the council’s website. The applications need to be submitted by Thursday 17 April.
What else is happening?
National commemorations will begin at The Cenotaph, which will be dressed in Union flags, on Monday 5 May. There will be a military procession and a fly-past in London honouring and remembering those who lost their lives in the conflict. A ceremony on HMS Belfast, on the River Thames, will open the community celebrations. The government has issued information setting out everything that is happening over the 4-day commemoration period.
Victory in Japan (VJ) Day will be marked on 15 August.
Local history
Two stories have been published recently in the local history section of this website telling how VE Day, and the lead-up to it, was experienced locally in 1945 through different people’s eyes. A third story will follow shortly. Have a read.
Photo copyright of Imperial War Museum: IWM (HU 49414)
