What happened on VE Day in 1945 and how is it being marked 80 years on?

Across the UK, on 8 May 1945, people celebrated the end of the second world war. Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, was the perfect excuse for a party. After almost six years of brutal fighting, the threat of invasion had finally lifted.

A few fortunate families could look forward to their loved ones returning home while others enjoyed a sense of relief that the worst was behind them.

Up and down the country, people gathered in the streets, filling the air with music, and singing and dancing. Everyone was united in the belief that they could finally start building a brighter future.

3 HarperLees’ clients share their memories of the time

Peter shared his incredibly vivid childhood memories

“I was 5 years old on VE Day.

“I was evacuated at the outbreak of the war from our flat in Covent Garden in London to Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, and my sister and I with my mother stayed with Mr and Mrs Manyweather in the upstairs room of their tiny, terraced house in Napier Street.

“There were hardships and physical restraints but I remember those days with affection. We were bathed by my mother in a tin bath in the middle of the Living room!

“I remember lots of airplanes passing over.

“Each night we had to put up the blackout shutters to the windows. The lighting of course was all gas.

“My father was an essential worker repairing roads and airfields and we rarely saw him.

“On VE Day I remember that we all went to the Main Street in Bletchley, where crowds had gathered and were wildly singing and celebrating.

“Of course, it marked the end of six wonderful years as a child in Bletchley and starting a new life in Covent Garden central London.”

Anne shared a photo, that captured her neighbourhood street party

Although it was clearly chilly with the ladies wearing coats, the sun made an appearance and the young boy at the head of the table looks to be squinting at the camera…

Derek, a young boy at the time, recollected a party at the local pub, which he remembered being “a nice change”.

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day

The four-day celebration plans include a flypast, concert, and many local street parties.

More on what’s going on in a moment.

First, we’re starting the celebrations a little early and have five signed copies of The Piano Player of Budapest: A True Story of Holocaust Survival, Music and Hope by Roxanne de Bastion to give away.

If you’d like to receive a signed copy of the book, drop us a quick email at info@harperlees.co.uk or call 01277 350560 – first come, first served.

A fitting tribute, this book tells a beautiful yet poignant tale. The story reveals the experience of a young Jewish pianist living in Hungary, depicting the brutalities he suffered when war broke out, in particular the time he spent in labour camps at Mauthausen and Gunskirchen.

While the true story of Stephen de Bastion is inescapably harrowing, the author, Stephen’s granddaughter, Roxanne de Bastion handles the topic with a sensitive touch. With music woven throughout the pages , and on an accompanying vinyl and CD, the book is a surprisingly accessible yet gripping read.

Roxanne explained, “Sharing my grandfather’s story and bringing his music back to life has been a real privilege… It’s more important than ever to share these stories of survival so that we learn from our collective past and don’t repeat our mistakes. So, thank you to HarperLees for choosing to gift a few copies. And, to the readers, I hope you enjoy getting to know Stephen and my family’s story!”

With many Amazon reviewers rewarding the novel five stars, here are a few standout comments:

“You might expect the story to be a grim one and in parts it certainly is, but there are also many lighter moments and despite being reasonably long I found it very easy to read. I also realise that I know very little about the recent history of Hungary; in Britain we tend to focus almost exclusively on Germany and Western Europe and forget the impact the war and its aftermath had on the rest of Europe.”

“A beautiful book, written with feeling and a lovely readable style… I loved every word.”

“…a fascinating story that is wonderfully told. Especially compelling is to read how learning more about her grandfather’s love for music has helped Roxanne understand her own passion.”

Local VE Day celebrations

Chelmsford is hosting a family friendly event from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday 5 May, the bank holiday.

Bringing the stories of wartime Chelmsford to life, you can:

• • Discover a fantastic pop-up exhibition dedicated to Chelmsford world war two history, including wartime artifacts, photographs, and personal narratives.
  • Get up close to military vehicles and vintage buses, and learn about the important role they played during the war.
  • Enjoy live entertainment, 40s music and drumming displays will capture the spirit of the era.
  • Join a guided walk or historical talk, and hear about Chelmsford’s pivotal role in the war direct from local historians.
  • Keep children and grandchildren entertained with fun activities, including storytelling, themed arts and craft sessions, and dressing up.

There are a variety of other local and district events throughout May, one of which is a special Open Estate Day at Hylands Estate.

On 11 May, you can explore the estate at your leisure. There’ll also be a special exhibition on Hylands’ role as SAS Headquarters during the war.

Official events in the capital

Official events will take place in various central London locations between Monday 5 May and Thursday 8 May.

Monday 5 May

A military procession from Whitehall, in central London, to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of current and historical military aircraft, including the Red Arrows.

The Cenotaph will be draped in union jacks, remembering those who died during world war two.

A party will be hosted on HMS Belfast, you can book your spot for a very special afternoon tea online.

Tuesday 6 May

An installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London will mark the anniversary. This spectacular display is a sight worth seeing. Meanwhile, other historic landmarks around the UK will be lit up.

Wednesday 7 May

A concert will be held in Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster.

Thursday 8 May

A service will be held in Westminster Abbey and there’ll be a big concert at Horse Guards Parade.

Alongside these official events, museums, galleries, bars and restaurants will all be doing something to help you celebrate VE Day.

If you have a favourite venue, check online to see what else is happening.