The nation will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two with four days of celebrations, according to the Sun newspaper.
The UK is set to get a Bank Holiday “bonanza” this year to celebrate VE Day with four days of events. The nation will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two with four days of celebrations, according to the Sun newspaper.
Labour Party Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said it will be an opportunity to “pay tribute to those who served in the Second World War and reflect on values they fought for”. She added: “People will be able to hear our veterans’ stories and ensure stories of sacrifice and service are remembered.”
Monday 5 May – the Bank Holiday kick-off – will see the Cenotaph draped in Union Flags as a national focal point for remembrance, and a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, as well as a Red Arrows and historic WWII aircraft flypast over London.
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HMS Belfast will host a special wartime street party on the Thames, with street parties and community celebrations across the UK. Tuesday 6 May will see 30,000 ceramic poppies return to the Tower of London in a new installation, and UK landmarks illuminated in honour of those who served.
Wednesday 7 May is marked when Westminster Hall hosts a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert, 80 years after Churchill’s iconic announcement. Thursday 8 May – the VE Day 80 Main Event – shows a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
There will also be a massive concert at Horse Guards Parade, featuring celebrity performers, military musicians, and 10,000 attendees. Hundreds of veterans are expected to join the VE Day anniversary celebrations. Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren working as a link in the chain of codebreakers who intercepted Nazi messages at Bletchley Park said: “There was an electric buzz among everyone and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us.
“People climbed on every available lamppost, lit bonfires in Hyde Park and we sat around singing songs. Not many went to bed that night!”
King Charles will join the commemorations too.