Residents encouraged to celebrate VE Day
This amazing photo from Swindon Libraries’ Local Studies shows how people in Swindon celebrated the very first Victory in Europe (VE) Day – one of the most significant days in the country’s history.
Published: Tuesday, 18th March 2025
And now, 80 years on, the Council is encouraging local residents who want to celebrate the anniversary of VE Day, the day when the Second World War ended in Europe on 8 May 1945, to join together as part of a national four-day commemoration.
On Bank Holiday Monday (5 May), the Cenotaph in London will be dressed in Union flags, while a Military procession and a flypast will also take place.
An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London on Tuesday, 6 May, to mark the anniversary. The next day, to commemorate the newsflash announcement to the nation about VE Day, the Parliament Choir will host a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster.
Later in the week, on VE Day itself (Thursday, 8 May) a service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey, which will be followed by a concert at the historic Horseguards Parade.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the War in the Far East (VJ Day), a service will take place on Friday, 15 August at the National Memorial Arboretum. In partnership with the Government, the Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the War in the Far East
Celebrations are also being held across the UK and Swindon residents who wish to hold their own street parties can find useful information on the Council’s website including guidance on how to apply for permission to hold a street party or event.
There are no charges for applying for road closures to mark VE Day.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “It is incredibly important for everyone to remember the great sacrifices that were made during the Second World War. Those brave members of our Armed Forces ensured we have the freedoms we enjoy today.
“The nation will come together in May to honour and remember them and we want to make it as easy as we can for local people to hold their own gatherings and street parties so they can pay their own tributes.
“If you want to hold a street party please visit the Council’s website for advice and guidance so you can make the most of this special anniversary.”
A dedicated interactive website has been launched with latest information and ways to get involved at ve-vjday80.gov.uk