20th March 2025
Plans ramped up for VE Day’s 80th anniversary
ALTHOUGH it has not been designated as a public holiday, the organisers of the 80th anniversary of VE Day this May hope that the event will be a truly memorable and moving occasion involving towns and parishes throughout the land.
The King’s pageantmaster, Bruno Peek, says that Thursday, May 8, will see the nation unite to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of the 1939-45 War in Europe.
“VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since,” he said. “We encourage everyone to take part.”
The VE Day flag will be raised at 9.00 am on Thursday, May 8, and people are being urged to gather in streets, gardens, town halls, clubs and pubs. “Let this be a day of joy, reflection and celebration,” said Mr Peek.
“As part of the Commonwealth’s 2.4-billion people, we re-affirm our commitment to peace, ensuring future generations understand and cherish its value.
“Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, and peace.”
Street and garden parties are expected to continue throughout the day. “Even though Thursday, May 8, is not a public holiday, we encourage those with country parks and streets that can be closed, along with those that have gardens, to hold street and garden parties decked in flags and bunting, dressing up in fancy dress or uniform, along with those communities that have town, village and community halls etc, to organise VE Day 80 parties within them, decorating them in a similar fun way.”
The Pageantmaster added: “We also encourage care homes and children’s homes, hospitals, schools, pubs, hotels and restaurants to undertake similar events throughout the day in celebration of this important anniversary.
“This would be a great, and simple way for schools to take part, especially at lunch-time.”
The Association of English Cathedrals is planning a ‘Ring-Out in Celebration’ from 6.30 pm on the day and the Very Rev Jo Kelly-Moore, chair of the Association and Dean of St Albans said: “Bells around our nation will ring out as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and give thanks for those who offered their services, and many lives, that we might know peace.
“As we gather in prayer in our Cathedrals and places of worship on that special anniversary, the bells that ring out are also a call to us to renew our commitment, people of all faiths and none, to work for peace in our communities and in God’s world.”
At 9.30 pm, beacons and ‘Lamp Lights of Peace’ will shine across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the UK’s overseas territories, symbolising the enduring strength of communities.
“From city squares to village greens, we will stand together in gratitude, honouring the sacrifices that secured our freedom,” said Mr Peek.
Because millions of animals were taken from family homes and farms to aid allied forces during the war, those with much-loved pets are encouraged to join this part of the celebrations, thereby ‘shining a light’ on the animals who also served.
Horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, cats, even pigeons, jerboas and mongooses, all played vital roles and carried out important duties during the war effort.
Also at 9.30 pm on Thursday, May 8, the nation will come together to sing ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.
Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, formerly a Warrant Officer Class Two in the Royal Artillery and, much later in life, a winner of the tv show, Britain’s Got Talent, said that he was deeply honoured and immensely proud to accept the invitation from Mr Peek to lead the singing.
“This special moment coincides with the lighting of the Beacons and Lamps of Peace, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day,’ he said.
“It is a heartfelt tribute to those, both at home and abroad, who contributed to the freedoms we cherish today. I warmly encourage individuals, families, communities, organisations, those in care homes and hospitals with their dedicated doctors and nurses, as well as patrons of pubs, clubs, and beyond, to join me in this unique celebration of unity and peace.
“Let us lift our voices together and make this a truly unforgettable occasion.”
Perhaps one of the most quirky events on the day will the baking of the Women’s Institute VE Day 2025 Orange and Ginger cake.
“I am delighted to provide a recipe for the official Women’s Institute cake in recognition of Britain’s women’s incredible effort during World War III, for VE Day 80,” said Nancy Birtwhistle, a Sunday Times best-selling author, life-long gardener and Hull-born baker who won the fifth series of tv’s Great British Bake Off in 2014.
“I have a strong affection for the WI, whose members were integral to the war effort at home.
“My recipe was used by my own grandmother who lived through two world wars. Her recipe doesn’t require mixers or whisks, and the batter will not curdle.
“This is my tribute to the women preserving food, and working tirelessly using simple methods and ingredients in those times. I hope you enjoy making and eating it.”
Nancy, who worked as a GP practice manager in the NHS for 36 years until she retired in 2007, lives in Lincolnshire with her husband, dogs and rescue hens.
Her recipe can be found at: https://www.nancybirtwhistle.co.uk/recipes/ginger-and-orange-cake/