Britain is preparing for a grand celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with a large-scale military procession and a dramatic flypast scheduled to take place in London on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, youth organisations and uniformed services will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
The public is encouraged to gather along The Mall and surrounding areas to witness the spectacle, which will pay tribute to the sacrifices made during the Second World War.
The event will begin at midday with an actor reciting extracts from Sir Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech as Big Ben strikes twelve.
MAPPED: Where can you watch the VE Day procession? Crowds can line The Mall to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe DayDCMSA symbolic handover of the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace will then take place between a young person and 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett, who served in the Normandy campaign.
Kennett recalled the moment the war ended: “I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party soon followed, filled with lots of drinking and celebrating the news. The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there with everyone.”
Led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, the procession will travel past the Cenotaph- dressed in Union Flags- through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
It will include marching personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, Royal Air Force, and cadets from across the services.
MORE LIKE THIS:
VE Day flypast details
MoD
Veterans and the Prime Minister will watch from a specially built platform at the Queen Victoria Memorial, as the parade concludes with a flypast of 23 current and historic military aircrafts, including the Red Arrows, Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, and Second World War-era planes from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The best viewing spots for the public include Parliament Square, Whitehall, Admiralty Arch and The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace.
The event will also be broadcast live on television.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy encouraged nationwide participation, saying: “VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations.
“Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part. This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.”
There will be celebrations across the country for the 80th anniversary of VE Day
GETTY
The commemorations aim to honour all those who contributed to the war effort- those who served in combat, children who were evacuated, and civilians who kept the country going on the Home Front.
Defence Secretary John Healey echoed this message: “As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, I look forward to joining our veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and young people to remember the remarkable generation who defended the freedoms we enjoy today.
“Our whole nation is invited to join together to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who fought for peace and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.”
Commemorative events won’t be limited to London.
The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, are encouraging communities across the country to host VE Day 80 street parties and picnics as part of the Great British Food Festival.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Together Coalition, said: “VE Day 80 is a moment to celebrate our shared victory and remember the sacrifices it took. Whether it’s hosting a street party, sharing a meal, or writing a message of thanks to a veteran, this is a unique opportunity to thank those who served and to celebrate the values that hold us together.”
Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, added: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a special moment for the country and the Royal British Legion is incredibly proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations.
“It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere.”
On Thursday 8 May- exactly 80 years to the day since the war in Europe ended- a service will be held at Westminster Abbey
ENGLISH HERITAGE
The flypast will include a Voyager transport aircraft, P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, F-35 and Typhoon fighter jets, and culminate in the signature red, white and blue smoke trails of the Red Arrows.
Military musicians will accompany the procession, with performances from The Band of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Band of HM Royal Marines, and a Royal Corps of Army Music band.
On Thursday 8 May- exactly 80 years to the day since the war in Europe ended- a service will be held at Westminster Abbey, followed by an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade where stars of stage and screen will help tell the story of the war’s end.
