The 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day will be commemorated this year with a series of events across the UK, starting on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May 2025. Notable activities include:
- The Cenotaph in Whitehall will be adorned with Union flags, serving as a focal point for remembrance.
- A military procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft.
- Street parties and community gatherings will be held nationally, echoing the celebrations of 80 years ago.
- An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London, symbolising the sacrifices made during the war.
- A service and concert at Westminster Abbey will honour those who served and provide a moment of reflection.
- Commemorations will culminate on 15 August with a service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the end of the war in the Far East.
To celebrate this significant occasion, Beverley Chamber of Trade is encouraging every business (and resident) in the town to decorate their homes and streets in red, white, and blue. This would create a vibrant atmosphere and foster a sense of community spirit as the town and the nation reflect on the history and pay tribute to the sacrifices made during the Second World War.
