Thursday 8th May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.
The 80th anniversary is a powerful moment for the nation to come together and remember the courage and resilience of the VE Day generation: from the servicemen who fought, to children who were evacuated, and women on the home front.
Nationally, four day celebrations from 5th – 8th May will mark the 80th anniversary. Read more about this year’s 80th anniversary activities.
How can your organisation get involved?
Tell your story. Every business has a story to tell, be it through a direct local or historical involvement, your support for veterans, or belonging to a sector which played a big part then enabling you to play a part today. Tell in it an way that resonates today.
Use the VE Day 80 Branding. On your website. On products. In newsletters or in-store displays. On bunting around the office, warehouse, factory or store. You can download core brand resources, including logos via from the toolkit.
Consider joint promotion: Theme an existing event, activity or even promotion for VE Day. From mobile phones that will capture VE Day today as it was captured 80 years ago to baked produce made for sharing, or outdoor furniture to facilitate street parties.
Promote existing activities: From public concerts and exhibitions to the Great British Food Festival – promote and support existing events listed on the government website. Spread the word about VE and VJ Day 80 celebrations on social media and with your wider networks. Use #VE80, #VJ80 and #Victory80 and follow DCMS on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Host an office street-party-style event or exhibition: Bring people together to share food and tell stories about their connection to VE Day or research your own firms connections put on a display.
Sign up & get your event on the map: Sign-up to the official newsletter and put your event on the interactive map.
Tip Top Towns: Engage staff and networks to volunteer in sprucing up their communities for Tip Top Towns.
Pay tribute to our veterans and the sacrifices of the Second World War generation by lighting up historical landmarks, iconic buildings and cultural institutions across the UK in red, white and blue on 6 – 8 May, at 9pm.
Local events
Organisations are celebrating the 80th anniversary by running events and initiatives to encourage employees and the community to get involved.
City of Wolverhampton Council are one council encouraging their residents to celebrate and mark the occasion – full details can be found on their press release.
With over 600 VE Day 80 events registered on the VE Day website, you can use their event finder to find a local event near you
Learn more about VE Day.
Published 28/04/25
