Celebrations kick off tomorrow to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with four days of commemorative events kicking off with a military procession and flypast.
The event will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services and young people will march from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace.
The procession will conclude with a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.
The iconic Red Arrows will provide their signature red, white, and blue smoke display as the finale
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VE Day flypast detailsMoDThe procession will begin at midday when Big Ben strikes, with an actor reciting extracts from Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech.
A young person will pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop will lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans will watch from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial.
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The procession will begin at midday when Big Ben strikes, with an actor reciting extracts from Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech
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A general view of Oxford Street in London, which has been decorated with 213 metres of Union flags to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe
PA
The procession will conclude with a flypast featuring the Red Arrows (pictured)
PA
The flypast will showcase a diverse array of aircraft, including a Voyager transport aircraft and a P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.
Modern fighter jets will be represented by Typhoons and F-35s.
The iconic Red Arrows will provide their signature red, white, and blue smoke display as the finale.
Historic Second World War-era aircraft from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also participate, connecting present-day celebrations with the original victory being commemorated.
Armed Forces from Commonwealth nations will join the procession, highlighting their crucial contributions to the Allied war effort.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “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.”
Modern fighter jets will be represented by Typhoons and F-35s
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Winston Churchill led Britain to victory in World War TwoPA
Workers place the first of 30,000 ceramic poppies for the new installation at the Tower of London to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
PA
Defence Secretary John Healey MP added: “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.”
Veteran Alan Kennett recalled: “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 public is encouraged to host street parties across the country as part of the Great British Food Festival, led by the Together Coalition and the Big Lunch.
Brendan Cox, co-Founder of the Together Coalition, said: “This is a unique opportunity to thank those who served and to celebrate the values that hold us together.”
On Thursday 8 May, exactly 80 years since VE Day, a service will take place at Westminster Abbey.
This will be followed by an evening concert at Horse Guards Parade, where stars will tell the story of the war’s end.
The celebration will likely be one of the last chances of many of the veterans who fought in the war to join in on the commemorations held in their honour.
Only around 70,000 veterans of the “Greatest Generation” are still alive today.
Market Garden Veteran Geoff Roberts, 99, previously said: “I think it’s very important in these current times we remember those that gave their lives for our freedom and peace in Europe.”
