Old VE Day Edition Newspaper at Michelham Priory in Upper Dicker, East Sussex UK.
From red, white and blue flypasts to royal tea with war heroes – Britain begins four days of stirring tributes.
Credit: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB, Shutterstock
VE day itself isn’t until Thursday (May 8), but there are celebrations all week, starting today (May 5.) Read on to find out the main events and what to expect.
Today marks the start of four days of commemorations to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany finally surrendered and Europe emerged from the horrors of war.
With the King, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales leading the events, the UK is pulling out all the stops in a tribute to those who served, sacrificed and put everything on the line.
From Churchill’s immortal words to a Red Arrows roar across the skies, here are eight spine-tingling moments that set the tone as Britain remembers one of its greatest and most difficult triumphs.
1. May 5: 12 PM – Churchill’s voice rings out once more – via Timothy Spall
At exactly midday, acclaimed actor Timothy Spall steps up to the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square to deliver a dramatic reading of the wartime leader’s famous 1945 VE Day speech.
Spall – who played Churchill in The King’s Speech – brings history alive, opening four days of remembrance with the Prime Minister’s rousing words: “We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing…” This one will be special.
2. May 5: 12.10 PM – Military procession departs Parliament Square
Shortly after Spall’s speech, 1,300 members of the armed forces and veterans take to the streets in a powerful military parade from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
The route passes the Cenotaph, winds through Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, and finishes at The Mall, where crowds are already gathering in the thousands.
Princess Anne has already been spotted at Buckingham Palace, waving to well-wishers – the first royal arrival of the day.
3. May 5: 1.45 PM – Eyes to the skies: Red Arrows and warbirds soar over the capital
At 1.45 PM, the Red Arrows will blast over central London in a five-minute flypast featuring 23 aircraft, including modern Typhoons and a WWII-era Lancaster bomber.
The skies over The Mall, Buckingham Palace and the Olympic Park will turn red, white and blue as the RAF paints a perfect tribute above the heads of royals, veterans, and flag-waving spectators.
Check your watch – and look up!
4. May 5: Afternoon – A royal brew with Britain’s bravest
Following the parade and flypast, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a tea party for 50 war veterans inside Buckingham Palace.
There’ll be teacups, cake, and memories shared – but most of all, a chance to honour those who fought so we could live free.
The message? The past isn’t forgotten, and neither are the people who shaped it.
5. The Cenotaph stands tall – dressed in the Union Jack
Down in Whitehall, the Cenotaph – first unveiled in 1920 – has been draped in Union flags ahead of today’s procession.
It’s a sobering reminder of the cost of war and the lives lost – and a powerful focal point for the entire day.
Meanwhile, the Tower of London hosts an art installation featuring 30,000 ceramic poppies – one for every voice silenced, one for every hero honoured.
6. Live coverage brings VE Day 80 into homes nationwide
Can’t make it to London? Not to worry.
BBC One is broadcasting the entire event live in a special programme:
“VE Day 80: The Nation Pays Tribute”, hosted by Sophie Raworth, airing from 10.30 AM.
Expect pageantry, emotion and history brought to life – along with interviews from veterans and behind-the-scenes moments with the Royal Family.
7. Four days of memory, music and marches still to come
Today may be the big opener, but the commemorations continue across the country all week.
Street parties will roll into May 8, local events are listed on the Government’s interactive map, and towns across Britain are pulling out all the stops to mark the milestone.
So whether you’re baking a victory sponge in Spain, or simply pausing for a moment of reflection, there’s still time to get involved.
Stay tuned for more UK news.
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