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.
National Programme
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.
Ashford Remembers: VE Day 75
8 May 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which was celebrated in the light of Coronavirus with a weekend of online activities from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2020.
VE Day Photographic Exhibition
Before the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, we asked people to submit their photos for an 'Ashford in the Second World War' photographic exhibition. This has been turned into an online project.
The exhibition gives an insight into what life was like in Ashford in the Second World War including national and local photographs of Ashford's 1945 VE Day celebrations. This exhibition can be viewed in the window below.
Thank you to the following individuals and organisations that supplied images and information to enable us to put together this exhibition:
- Ashford Borough Museum
- Robin Britcher
- Hothfield History Society
- Smarden Local History Society
- Tenterden and District Local History Society
- The Imperial War Museums
Digital photo exhibition
Home Front Posters [pdf] 6942KB
A message from the Mayor
The Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Jenny Webb, sent a message to residents.
VE Day Poems
Listen to a commemorative poem, VE Day by Angela Whybrow, read by Cpl Prior from the Ashford Squadron ATC of the Royal Air Force Cadets. Read transcript of VE Day poem [pdf] 407KB.
Listen to a commemorative poem, Unmentioned in Dispatches by Peter Wyton, read by Cpl Woolacombe from the Ashford Squadron ATC of the Royal Air Force Cadets. Read transcript of Unmentioned in Dispatches poem [pdf] 386KB.
Remembering the fallen
The following videos were created by local resident Ian Wolverson.
The first video remembers air force personnel from around the world who flew from the RAF Ashford base (where Chilmington is now situated) who sadly lost their lives during World War Two.
The video below remembers local residents who sadly lost their lives during World War Two.
'Stay at home' street parties
Many residents held their own 'stay at home' street parties over the weekend of 8-10 May, decorating their houses and windows with red, white and blue bunting.
Below are some images, from left to right we have: A dog posing in front of Union Jack bunting in Wye, SSgt Ethan Jeffrey and also Lance Corporal Finch from the Ashford Detachment Senior Cadets observing the two minute silence on VE Day.
From left to right below we have: Arcon Close decorated for VE Day celebrations, residents in Bethersden handing out goodie bags through their Nominate a Neighbour scheme, and VE Day signage that was set-up at the Community Wheelbarrow in Clap Hill, Aldington.
