📑 Table of Contents
- 1. National Service at Westminster Abbey
- 2. National Memorial Arboretum Commemorations
- 3. London Military Procession & Flypast
- 4. Nationwide Beacon Lighting & Bell Ringing
- 5. Cardiff Castle VE Day Festival
- 6. Tower of London Poppy Installation
- 7. Local Community Events
- Supporting Today’s Veterans
- How You Can Make an Impact
- Final Thoughts
🕯️ Introduction
VE Day 2025 UK marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe — a day of national remembrance, pride, and reflection. From Westminster Abbey to local communities, events across the country will honour those who served, while reminding us of the continued importance of supporting today’s veterans.
But VE Day isn’t just about remembering the past. It’s also a chance to reflect on the modern-day challenges veterans face today — and how we can support them.
📅 Key VE Day 2025 Events in the UK
1. VE Day 2025 UK: National Service at Westminster Abbey
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Location: Westminster Abbey, London
The centrepiece of VE Day 2025 will be a national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, attended by veterans, dignitaries, and members of the Royal Family. This historic service will commemorate those who gave so much and honour the resilience of the nation.
Event link:
Westminster Abbey VE Day 80th Anniversary Service
2. National Memorial Arboretum Commemorations
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Location: Staffordshire
This full-day remembrance includes:
- A tea party for WWII veterans
- Public Service of Commemoration at 4:00 PM (first-come, first-seated)
Event link:
Royal British Legion – VE Day Events
3. VE Day 2025 UK: London Military Flypast
Date: Monday, 5 May 2025
Time: 1:45 PM (Flypast)
Route: From Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace
A ceremonial parade and vintage aircraft flypast (including the Red Arrows) will take over central London in honour of VE Day 80.
Event link:
Gov.uk – VE Day Parade & Flypast
4. Nationwide Beacon Lighting & Bell Ringing
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Time Highlights:
- 9:00 AM: VE Day flags raised
- 12:00 PM: Pipers perform “Celebratum”
- 6:30 PM: Church bells ring in unison
- 9:30 PM: 1,000+ beacons and Peace Lamps lit nationwide
Event link:
VE Day 80 – National Commemorations
5. Cardiff Castle VE Day Festival
Date: Monday, 5 May 2025
Activities:
Live music, food stalls, wartime-themed entertainment, and thousands in attendance celebrating in the heart of Wales.
Coverage link:
The Sun – VE Day Festival Details
6. Tower of London – Ceramic Poppy Installation
Start Date: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
A new art display will feature 30,000 ceramic poppies commemorating WWII service, set around the iconic Tower of London moat.
Details:
The Sun – Poppy Installation
7. Local Community Events Across the UK
Examples:
- Woodditton, Newmarket – Street party on 10 May
- Woburn Sands, Milton Keynes – Lantern lighting and remembrance service
- Icklesham, Winchelsea – Afternoon and evening community celebration on 8 May
Search your local council or community hub via veday80.org.uk for events near you.
🎖️ How to Support Veterans on VE Day 2025 UK
While we honour the heroes of the past, it’s vital to support the modern-day heroes still facing battles at home — mentally, physically, and financially.
At Veterans Hurt Too, we donate 10% of profits to veterans’ charities and raise awareness through purpose-driven clothing. We also curate guides like:
👉 Veteran Support UK: Mental Health, Housing & Employment Help
You can support veterans today by:
- Attending a VE Day event and inviting a veteran
- Sharing support resources
- Shopping veteran-owned brands
- Donating to frontline charities like SSAFA or Combat Stress
🛍️ How You Can Make an Impact
Every t-shirt, hoodie or gift purchased from our store contributes to supporting UK veterans.
👉 Shop our veteran-designed collection
Or simply share this post — you never know who it might help.
🧡 Final Thoughts
VE Day is a reminder of strength, unity, and sacrifice. Let’s use this 80th anniversary not just to look back — but to act forward. Support a veteran. Start a conversation. Make a difference.
