80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day
On May 8, 1945, we celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. Church bells rang out, a national holiday was declared and people danced in the streets to mark the peace on what has become known as VE Day (Victory in Europe). Then in August, the conflict also ended in the Far East on what has become known as VJ Day (Victory in Japan).
We're invited to mark the 80th anniversary of these events in 2025, in a variety of ways:
- Here is a page on the national Church of England website, with resources such as prayers and a suggested service outline – which can be used on the day or on the Sunday before or after.
- Churches can ring their bells together at 6.30pm on May 8 – just as church bells rang in 1945 to signal the end of the conflict. You may want to liaise with local bellringers or see more details here.
- There is also a government website on www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk which includes information about events to mark the 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day (in August), the chance to upload details of your event, and a toolkit to help you publicise it.
National events for VE Day 80
On May 8, there are a number of events expected to happen across the country:
- At 9am: town criers will undertake the VE Day Proclamation as the VE Day 80 flags are raised in towns and cities across the UK;
- At 12noon: pipers will play a unique tune especially written for the occasion entitled ‘Celebratum’ from the top of the UK’s four highest peaks;
- At 6.30pm: cathedrals and churches will ring their bells in united celebration throughout the nation;
- At 9.30pm: over 1,000 beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace will shine throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
More details are on www.ve80.com.
