Commemorating 75 years since VE Day

Published: 4/5/2020

8th May 2020 will mark 75 years since VE Day – 75 years since guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. This anniversary will provide our nation, and our friends around the world, with an opportunity to remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad and to joyously celebrate as people did 75 years ago, the arrival of peace in Europe.

Commemorate the day at home by downloading our VE Day activity pack where you’ll find templates for bunting, recipes for delicious cakes along with other VE Day activities. You can also take part in the official VE Day events below while staying safe at home…

11:00 – a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence will be held

14:45 –  special programme on BBC One, extracts from Churchill’s victory speech to the nation announcing the end of the war in Europe will be broadcast

15:00 – as Churchill’s speech is broadcast, people will be invited to stand up and raise a glass in a national toast, saying: “To those who gave so much, we thank you”

20:00 – another BBC One special will feature Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight, who will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s. The programme will culminate in the nation being invited to sing along to a rendition of wartime classic We’ll Meet Again

21:00 – the Queen’s pre-recorded address will be broadcast on BBC One at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address 75 years ago. It will be her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak after a rare speech to the nation last month