On the 8th May 2025 the UK and countries around Europe will come together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe Day. On this day, 80 years ago, peace was declared and fighting ceased in Europe as part of the end of World War II. Millions of people gave up their lives during the 6 year's of war, bringing about the freedom we know today, and this special VE Day anniversary commemorates not only those that loss their lives but reminds us all of the unity Europe and the UK have seen since.
Across South East England, destinations, visitor attractions, accommodation providers and local residents are coming together to create a day to remember, full of celebration, festivals, music and events. Red, white and blue bunting and flags will grace the streets, and a party atmosphere will fill the air with many reliving the street parties and community togetherness of the 8th May 1945. Britain has a rich history of street parties that date back to the end of the second world war, and this May will be no different.
Explore our featured list shown in date to find a VE Day event that is local to you or head to the bottom of the page to see them all.
Most major towns and cities in the South East will be lighting a beacon in recognition of Victory Day in Europe. It is hoped that more than 1,000 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, with one being lit in each capital city of Commonwealth countries. Most lightings will take place at 9.30pm, some destinations have organised events and entertainment before hand. Take a look at some of the places you can experience the beacon lighting events in South East England.
Full details can be found on the VE80 website.
Number of results: 22
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Special Events
Southampton
Come together in Southampton to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a Street Party organised by the Carlton and Bedford Place Community, with support from Southampton City Council and Go! Southampton.
Pop Up Event
Wantage
This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day or Victory in Europe Day, which celebrates the end of the second world war. Head to Wantage in Oxfordshire this May for a celebratory 1940's street party with live music, free vintage fair games, lindy…
Free Event
Dover
Celebrating VE Day 80 with a party in Pencester Gardens as The Royal British Legion Dover White Cliffs remembers
Tour
Henley-on-Thames
Explore the host of events happening on Saturday 10th May in Henley on Thames as part of the VE Day 80 Anniversary
Special Events
Marlow, Marlow
Step back in time and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Danesfield House.
Brimming with history, Danesfield House was once home to the Intelligence Section of the RAF, known as RAF Medmenham. The unit specialised in photographic…
Heritage & History
Milton Keynes
Join Bletchley Park in celebrating 80 years since Victory in Europe this May with this special weekend event
Fun for all the family, these two-day events are a chance to step back in time and enjoy a marvellous weekend of vintage entertainment…
Heritage & History
Spilling across the town of Margate, the start of the summer season and VE Day 80 anniversary event will see a vintage celebration weekend in Margate, Kent.
Running from the 2nd - 4th May 2025 this free-to-attend event will see music,…
Special Events
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Historic Quarter marks 80 years since VE Day with a spectacular celebration from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 10 May.
Heritage & History
Chichester
This VE Day 80, or Victory in Europe Day, will be celebrated with a host of events in Chichester organised by Chichester City Council. This year marks the 80th anniversary since the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's…
Music
Portsmouth
The Bands of HM Royal Marines commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in front of their home audience at the New Theatre Royal.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dover
Step back in time and experience the atmosphere and action of the 1940s at Dover Castle at War. Join us for a Father’s Day special as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe.
Family
Burwash
Come dressed in your best 1940s glad rags and enjoy a victory cream tea with live music at Bateman's.
Free Event
Maidstone
Explore this fascinating exhibition at Maidstone Town Hall in Kent and discover everyday life on the Home Front during World War II.
Heritage & History
Southsea
Take a vintage bus ride across the city this summer.
Special Events
Henley-on-Thames
Step back in time to wartime Henley and celebrate the end of World War II with a fully immersive 1940s Dance Hall Experience. This fantastic event is a tribute to the weekly entertainment that the council provided for residents, evacuees, and…
Heritage & History
Lee-on-the-Solent
Coming to the seaside village of Lee on the Solent, Gosport, Hampshire in September 2025, for several days of Celebration and Entertainment to commemorate and remember the 80th Anniversary of VE & VJ Days.
See an amazing array of WWII / Post…
Music
Ramsgate
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with Ramsgate Tunnels on 8th May 2025.
Head along to the Ramsgate Tunnels from 7.30 pm with music from the amazing band, Hullabaloo from approx 8.15 pm until 10.30 pm. There will be a short break at 9.30 pm…
Tour
Southampton
The cruise will recognise the important 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the role played by Southampton and Portsmouth in ‘Operation Dynamo’, and also the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and the celebrations that took place in the two ports and…
Special Events
For 2025 and the historic VE 80, the Commemorative Convoys Team will be organising one final convoy on Saturday, 10th Ma,y starting at 10am from Southwick (D-Day HQ) to Milestones Museum.
Organised by volunteers, this event supports the Royal…
Free Event
Eastleigh
Enjoy the spectacular vintage extravaganza in Eastleigh, Hampshire, for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
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