Celebrations to mark VE and VJ Day

Today (5 March), the government announced a series of celebrations and events to mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day that will share stories of the Second World War generation.

Commemorations will begin on the Bank Holiday on the 5 May, with the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a Military procession and a flypast in London. Street parties will also be held across the country and a ceremony on HMS Belfast will start community celebrations. The 8 May will see a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert. The 80th anniversary of the end of the war in the Far East will be marked with a service on 15 August.

Councils are encouraged to promote street parties and community get-togethers on Monday 5 May. The National Lottery Community Fund will be making their ‘Awards for All’ programme available to organisations to bid for grants to support communities coming together for these commemorative events.

A dedicated interactive website has been launched with latest information and ways to get involved.