Council encourages communities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day, which celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
This momentous anniversary is an important opportunity for communities to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation.
In line with Buckinghamshire’s Armed Forces Covenant, the council is encouraging residents, organisations and community groups to hold events and street meets on Monday 5 May (bank holiday) which has been officially dedicated to community celebrations.
Those holding an event are encouraged to add all the details onto the Bucks Online Directory, as it’s a great place for residents to find out what VE Day celebrations are taking place in their local area and see how they can get involved.
There are also lots of ways you can commemorate VE Day at home, from having a garden picnic, making your own Great British bunting, to going back in time and immersing yourself in music from the wartime era. For more ideas, visit the Events page on the council’s website at: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80
Celebrating in Buckinghamshire
Local events include:
Flag Raising Ceremonies
Led by Buckinghamshire Council’s Chairman and representatives from the Armed Forces, flags will be raised outside the Old Crown Court in Aylesbury and Queen Victoria Road council offices in High Wycombe. For details, visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80
Self-guided trail at Black Park Country Park
Enjoy a self-guided trail at Black Park Country Park to commemorate VE Day. The trail highlights some of the remaining military infrastructure in Black Park and offers the chance to explore the park’s history and contribution to the war effort. For more information, follow facebook.com/buckscountryparks
Archives & Libraries
Buckinghamshire Archives have taken images from their collections to highlight how the county’s residents celebrated VE Day in 1945. Displayed across two banners, there will be newspaper articles, letters, posters and photographs from VE Day celebrations across the county. The banners will be available throughout May in some of the county’s libraries as well as The Gateway, Walton Street council offices and at a retail unit in Friars Square, Aylesbury. For more information, follow facebook.com/BucksLibraries and facebook.com/BucksArchives
A national programme of events will take place across the UK commemorating the 80th anniversaries of both VE and VJ Day, including a military procession, flypast, and street parties on Monday 5th May, a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8th May, and a national service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday 15th August.
For lots more information about VE Day, how to mark this historic anniversary and how to upload your events onto the Bucks Online Directory, please visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80
