London and the south east will offer a rich tapestry of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. These celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the past and honour the resilience and unity that defined the wartime generation.

 

Surrey and Berkshire..

Dorking

Celebrate in Dorking town centre on Saturday 10th May. Including live music and dancing, vintage vehicles, vintage bus rides, family-friendly activities and pop-up street parties. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Cranleigh
On 8 May, join Cranleigh Parish Council’s free evening celebration from 7.30pm–9.35pm with 1940s music, Horsham Band, Cranleigh Dance and Theatre Arts, a cadets parade with bagpipes, and a 9.30pm beacon lighting.

Ewhurst
Celebrate VE Day on 10 May with a commemorative concert on Ewhurst Recreation Ground. A short service at the war memorial precedes the free 7.30pm concert. Enjoy a BBQ and bar in a relaxed, community atmosphere.

Farnham
On 8 May, Gostrey Meadow hosts a Beacon Lighting event from 8pm–9.45pm with music by Alder Valley Brass Band and Victoria Cluskey, a VE Day tribute, Churchill broadcast, and a licensed bar with local beer.

Godalming
Godalming marks VE Day with school workshops and a 9am service at the War Memorial on 8 May, featuring a proclamation, wreath-laying, Last Post, and church bell ringing at St Peter & St Paul from 6.30pm–7.30pm.

Haslemere
Enjoy Haslemere’s free celebration on 10 May at Lion Green from 3pm–9.30pm, with live music, military vehicles, themed stalls, historical displays, and a wide range of delicious local food and drink options.

Witley
Witley & Milford Parish residents are invited to the Annual Parish Meeting at 8pm on 8 May at Burton Pavilion, followed by a beacon lighting at 9.30pm with songs led by the All Saints Church choir.

Elmbridge Borough Council – VE Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Attend a flag-raising ceremony at 10 AM at the Civic Centre in Esher to commemorate the day.

Guildford Borough Council 
Starting at 9 AM with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by church bell ringing at 6:30 PM and an evening celebration in Stoke Park from 8 PM.

Liberham Lodge, Little Bookham
Celebrate from 1 PM to 3 PM with 1940s-themed food, music, and dancing at this free event.

Milner House, Leatherhead
Enjoy an afternoon of 1940s-style entertainment and refreshments starting at 3 PM.

Bourley Grange, Church Crookham
From 12 PM to 4 PM, partake in 1940s-themed festivities, including food and dancing.

Reading

VE Day Anniversary Lunch and Talk at Reading Central Library, from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Enjoy a traditional fish and chips lunch followed by a talk by historians Mike Cooper and Dr. Richard Marks on the collapse of Germany in 1945.

Parsons Grange, Shinfield
Join a free afternoon of 1940s-themed food, entertainment, and dancing to commemorate VE Day.

Danesfield House, Marlow, near Windsor
During the Afternoon, step back in time with traditional afternoon tea, classic cars, period actors, and a mini exhibition on RAF Medmenham.Visit Windsor

Military Convoy
Commemorative Convoy to Basingstoke
Starting from Southwick, passing through Basingstoke from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Witness a convoy of military vehicles and historic transports in honor of VE Day.

 

London

Commemorations will honour the end of World War II in Europe and the enduring spirit of those who lived through it. Here’s a curated list of just some of the notable events across the city:

Westminster Abbey Services

Westminster Abbey will host special services throughout the day, offering a space for reflection and remembrance. These services continue the Abbey’s tradition of marking significant VE Day anniversaries. Westminster Abbey

Tower of London Poppy Display

Nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies from the 2014 World War I centenary display will be reinstalled at the Tower of London, creating a poignant visual tribute to those who served.

 

The Party at Royal Albert Hall

This evening event will feature the RAF Squadronaires, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and guest vocalists, performing 1940s favorites and classical anthems. The concert will include personal accounts from those who experienced VE Day firsthand. www.royalalberthall.com

 

VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert – The London Chorus

Held at Holy Trinity Sloane Square, this concert will showcase Arthur Bliss’s Morning Heroes and Martinů’s Memorial to Lidice, offering a powerful choral experience. 

 

RAF Museum London – Family Celebration Day

On May 10, the RAF Museum will host a day of free activities, including 1940s-themed workshops, live music, swing dancing, and storytelling sessions. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period attire.

Museum of the Order of St John – Talk and Tea

On May 8, the museum will offer a free 30-minute talk on the role of St John Ambulance during WWII, accompanied by tea and biscuits. Eventbrite

And a London Street Party for good measure…

Hammersmith & Fulham – Ravenscourt Park

On May 10, Ravenscourt Park will host a free community celebration featuring live entertainment, street food, competitions, reenactors, military vehicles, and a visit from Mr. Churchill. Period dress is encouraged.

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For more events across the UK, you can explore the official VE Day and VJ Day 80th Anniversary website: VE Day and VJ Day 80.