VE Day 80
What is VE Day?
Victory in Europe (VE) Day, 8 May 1945, celebrates the German surrender during the Second World War. Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered.
However, it was not the end of the conflict, the war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the impact of the Second World War was felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered.
How was VE Day celebrated?
The announcement that the war had ended in Europe was broadcast to the British people over the radio on 7 May 1945. The BBC interrupted its scheduled programming with a news flash announcing that VE Day would be a national holiday. Newspapers ran the headlines as soon as they could, and special editions were printed to carry the long-awaited announcement.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill gained assurances from the Ministry of Food on the morning of 8 May 1945 that there would be enough supplies for celebrations and the Board of Trade announced that people could purchase red, white and blue bunting without using ration coupons.
Tuesday 8 May 1945 was an emotional day that millions of people had been waiting for. Many people were extremely happy that the fighting in Europe had stopped and there were big celebrations. Various events were organised to mark the occasion, including parades, thanksgiving services and street parties as communities came together to share in this historic moment.
However, not everyone celebrated VE Day. For those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect. Amidst the street parties and rejoicing, many people mourned the death of friends and relatives, or worried about those that were still serving overseas.
On 8 May 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, our nation will unite to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe. VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
Ashford Remembers: VE Day 80
Flag Raising & VE Day 80 Proclamation – 9am
At 9am on 8 May 2025 the Mayor of Ashford will lead a short service of commemoration that will include the raising of the specially commissioned VE Day 80 flag and the reading of VE Day 80 Proclamation outside of the Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, TN23 1PL.
Lighting of the Civic Memorial Beacon – 9.30pm
At 9.30pm on 8 May 2025 the Mayor of Ashford will read the VE Day 80 Tribute and light the Civic Memorial Beacon in Civic Park, Tannery Lane, TN24 8DN.
The Mayor of Ashford’s Charity Ball – 10 May 2025
On 10 May 2025 the Mayor of Ashford will host a Charity Ball with dancing to ‘The Big Sound Collective’ at the Ashford International Hotel, Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, TN24 8UX. The Mayor of Ashford’s Charity Ball price includes a two course meal. To book contact Lousie Aistrup on Louise.Aistrup@ashford.gov.uk or telephone: 01233 330317.
To find out about other VE Day 80 events in Ashford visit our VE Day 80 Events page.
If your village, parish or community will be holding a public event to celebrate VE Day then please complete the VE Day 80 Events Form so that it can be added to our borough–wide map of VE Day 80 events and activities.
National Guidance and How to Get Involved
The UK will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the VE Day on 8 May 2025 with a series of major commemorations and events.
VE Day 80 Street and Home Garden Parties
Even though Thursday 8 May 2025 is not a public holiday, communities are encouraged to come together and celebrate, where possible, with the holding parties of celebration throughout the day in the streets, gardens at home, churches, villages, town halls, pubs, clubs, hotels and all manner of locations. If you are holding a street party then make sure you visit the Kent County Council VE Day Street Party webpage and apply to close a road no later than 22 March 2025.
Together We Stand: Flag Raising & VE Day 80 Proclamation – 9am
The Nation is encouraged to come together in joyous celebration at 9am on 8 May 2025, by raising the unique VE Day 80 flag, uniting the nation in remembering the sacrifices made by so many, many millions throughout WWII. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to take part in this simple act of celebration. For more information and to purchase the VE Day 80 flag go to the VE Day 80 website. Also at 9am Town Criers, Mayors or other dignities are encouraged to read out the VE Day 80 Proclamation.
Together We Chime: Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud! - 6:30pm
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers is calling on fellow bell ringers all over the world to ring out for peace on 8 May 2025 at 6.30pm. For more information go to the Ring Out in Celebration webpage.
Lighting the Beacons with Flames of Peace: A Global Tribute! - 9:30pm
At 9:30pm, beacons will shine across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and UK Overseas Territories—symbolising the enduring strength of our communities. From city squares to village greens, we will stand together in gratitude, honouring the sacrifices that secured our freedom. You can find out more about the lighting of beacons by going to the VE Day Beacons webpage.
The VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace for the Animals that Served
Organisations such as care homes, hospitals, pubs and restaurants that wish to pay their tribute, but don’t have the land or space to light a beacon, are being encouraged to light the VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace for the animals that served.
Millions of animals were taken from family homes and farms to aid allied forces during WWII, so it is only fitting that those of us with much loved pets, should be encouraged to light a Lamp Light of Peace at 9.30pm to ‘shine a light’ on the animals who also served, and once lit for this occasion, they can be re-lit at 11am on 11th November in ‘remembrance’ for many years to come. For more information go to the VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace webpage.
The Nation Sings ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’
At 9.30pm the nation is encouraged to come together to sing ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’. You can download the lyrics by going to The Nation Sings webpage.
