Nation celebrates VE Day 80 with parades, concerts and remembrance events
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VE Day 80 marked by four days of festivities
Whether you're pitched up in the Peak District or parked near the coast, you should expect a celebratory buzz across the UK this week, as we mark 80 years since VE Day.
With four days of nationwide events from Monday 5 May to Thursday 8 May, 2025, it's a historic moment that you won’t want to miss.
VE Day commemorates 8 May, 1945 – the day the Second World War ended in Europe – and this year’s milestone anniversary is being marked with military parades, street parties, concerts and royal appearances.
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
Macaulay Nichol Content Editor: Caravans
VE Day celebrations – what’s on
Here’s what’s been happening, and what’s still to come:
Monday 5 May
The commemorations started off with a military procession through central London, including a flypast over Buckingham Palace, watched by the Royal Family and WWII veterans.
Actor, Timothy Spall, delivered Churchill’s famous VE Day speech, setting the tone for a deeply moving day of remembrance and pride.
Tuesday 6 May
A stunning installation of 30,000 ceramic poppies returns to the Tower of London, with lights illuminating historic sites across the UK.
Wednesday 7 May
A special concert in Westminster Hall will feature music from wartime Europe, including performances by the Parliament Choir.
Thursday 8 May
VE Day itself starts with a service at Westminster Abbey attended by the King and Queen.
A nationwide two-minute silence will be held at midday, followed by street parties, tea events, and a grand concert at Horse Guards Parade in London.
The day ends with 2,500 beacons lit across the country, including seaside towns and village greens – so keep an eye out if you're pitched near the coast.
Weekend, Friday 9 – Sunday 11 May
From Friday to Sunday, 9 – 11 May, local communities will keep the celebrations going with 1940s dances, live music, parades and vintage fairs.
Caravanners in places like Kent, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland can expect to stumble upon all sorts of retro festivities.
Wherever you’re parked this week, there’s no better time to reflect, raise a glass, and join the national moment. After all, 80 years on, the spirit of VE Day lives on – in streets, fields, and, yes, even caravan parks.
Try our online Campsite Finder
With all the top campsites in Cornwall, Devon, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and Lake District as well as destinations in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Europe, you'll always find your perfect campsite.
If you're looking for something a little bit special, try searching through our Premier Parks database of the best campsites across the British Isles, all independently inspected by us and deemed to be of the highest standard.
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