VE Day 80 Events

On the 8th May 2025 the UK and countries around Europe will come together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day - Victory in Europe Day. On this day, 80 years ago, peace was declared and fighting ceased in Europe as part of the end of World War II. Millions of people gave up their lives during the 6 year's of war, bringing about the freedom we know today, and this special VE Day anniversary commemorates not only those that loss their lives but reminds us all of the unity Europe and the UK have seen since.

Across South East England, destinations, visitor attractions, accommodation providers and local residents are coming together to create a day to remember, full of celebration, festivals, music and events. Red, white and blue bunting and flags will grace the streets, and a party atmosphere will fill the air with many reliving the street parties and community togetherness of the 8th May 1945. Britain has a rich history of street parties that date back to the end of the second world war, and this May will be no different.  

What's on this VE Day 80 Anniversary in South East England?

Explore our featured list shown in date to find a VE Day event that is local to you or head to the bottom of the page to see them all. Look out for the free events (F) to help you budget go a little further.

• Margate's Vintage Weekend, a town-wide celebration marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day (F) - Kent - 2nd - 4th May 25
• 1940's Weekend at Bletchley Park, with vintage entertainment and live music - Buckinghamshire - 3rd & 4th May 25
• Step back in time at Danesfield House Hotel once home to the intelligence section of RAF - Buckinghamshire - 8th May 25
• Vintage Bus Tour around the city of Portsmouth, hop onboard the expertly preserved buses - Hampshire - 8th May 25
• Swing Dance at the The Assembly Room in Chichester (F) - West Sussex - 8th May 25
• Its a Hullabaloo at Ramsgate Tunnels with live music and beacon lighting - Kent - 8th May 25
• VE Day Exhibition in the The Old Court Room in Chichester (F) - West Sussex - 8th - 10th May 25
• VE Day Exhibition in Maidstone Town Hall exploring life on the home front (F) - Kent - 8th - 10th May 25
• Dance for VE Day at Henley Town Hall, a 1940's dance hall experience - Southern Oxfordshire - 9th May 25
• VE Day 80 in Gravesend, a weekend of entertainment including re-enactors, vehicles, dance (F) - Kent  - 10th - 11th May 25
• Family-friendly activities & historic vessels at Boathouse 4 inside Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - Hampshire - 10th May 25
• VE Day 80 Anniversary convey with 60 classic military vehicles travelling from Southwick (F) - Hampshire - 10th May 25
• Head along to Eastleigh VE Day 80 for a  spectacular vintage extravaganza (F) - Hampshire - 10th May 25
• Bring a picnic along to the VE Day Celebration in the Park, Pencester Gardens, Dover (F) -  Kent - 10th May 25
• See a Mark IX Spitfire up close, meet RAF reenactors, military vehicle crews Henley-on-Thames (F) - Oxfordshire - 10th May 25
• Join the Southampton Street Party to celebrate 80th Anniversary of VE Day with miltary vehicles (F) - Hampshire - 11th May 25
• Head along to Wantage for a 1940's street party with live music, vintage fair games & lindy hop (F) - Oxfordshire - 11th May 25 

VE & VJ Day 80 Events in 2025

• Steamship Shieldhall Sailing to Portsmouth, reflecting the 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and anniversary of VE and VJ Day - Hampshire - 25th May 25
• World War II weekend at Dover Castle, Kent will battle re-enactments, vintage vehicles, life on the home front and the family friendly Sergeants infamous assult course - Kent - 14th - 15th June 25
• Victory Festival, at former HMS Daedalus, Gosport with WWII vehicles, living history events, air and static aircraft display, music, funfair and more - Hampshire - 19th - 21st September 25

Beacon Lighting Events across South East England - 8th May 2025

Most major towns and cities in the South East will be lighting a beacon in recognition of Victory Day in Europe.  It is hoped that more than 1,000 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, with one being lit in each capital city of Commonwealth countries. Most lightings will take place at 9.30pm, some destinations have organised events and entertainment before hand.  Take a look at some of the places you can experience the beacon lighting events in South East England. 

• Victory Park, Haywards Heath, West Sussex (5.30pm - 10.00pm) 
• Church End Green, Yateley, Hampshire (6.30pm - 10pm)
• Village Way, Cranleigh, Surrey (7.30pm - 9.30pm)
• East Grinstead, King George’s field, Moat Road, West Sussex (6pm - 9.30pm) 
• Stage-By-The-Sea, Littlehampton Seafront, West Sussex (8.30pm - 9.30pm)
• Marina Curve, Clock Tower, Square, Dover, Kent (5.00pm - 9.30pm)
• Guildhall Forecourt, Sandwich, Kent (6.00pm - 9.30pm)
• East Beach Green, Selsey, West Sussex (7.00pm - 9.30pm)
• Broadstairs Bandstand, Kent (7.00pm - 9.30pm)
• Fort Crescent, Margate, Kent (8.30pm - 9.30pm)
• Peacehaven War Memorial, Meridian Park, East Sussex (9pm - 9.30pm)
• Brightling Recreation Ground, Polegate, East Sussex (9pm - 9.30pm)
• Cade Street Recreation Ground, Old Heathfield, East Sussex (7.30pm - 10pm)
• Ramsgate Sands, Kent (9pm - 9.30pm)
• Milton Keynes Museum, McConnell Drive, Buckinghamshire (7pm - 10pm)
• Beacon Lighting in High Wycombe at Tom Burts Hill, Buckinghamshire (9pm - 9.30pm)
• Makins Recreation Ground, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire (9pm - 9.30pm)
• Southons Field, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent (7pm - 9.45pm)

Full details can be found on the VE80 website.