Commemorating VE Day and VJ Day

In 2025 we will mark the eightieth anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.  This is an opportunity for people across the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation through a series of national and local events and activities. 

• VE Day 1945
• VE Day 80
• VE Day 80 in Newcastle
• VE Day community grants
• Remember and reflect exhibition
• A place to remember
• VE Day commemorative events
• VJ Day 1945

VE Day 1945

On 8 May 1945 Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the end of the war in Europe in a live broadcast to the nation. The long anticipated news saw millions take to the streets in spontaneous celebrations. A national holiday was declared and people from all walks of life came together to mark the occasion.

But they didn't just celebrate on VE day. They also mourned the loved ones they had lost, remembered those still fighting the war with Japan and hoped for a better future. 

VE Day 80

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since the end of the war in Europe. The government have announced four days of activities to mark the eightieth anniversary of VE Day starting on 5 May 2025. These events will honour those who lived through the Second World War and celebrate the peace they secured. Activities include:

• Great British Food Festival
• Cenotaph draped in Union flags as a point of remembrance
• Military parade
• Services in Westminster Abbey
• Tip Top Towns for VE Day

For more information on national events visit https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/ 

VE Day 80 in Newcastle

Today there are few left who remember the war, VE Day or VJ Day but it is still important that we mark these historic events. 

The eightieth anniversary of VE Day is a chance to honour our living World War 2 veterans and survivors, to reflect on the sacrifices their generation made and to celebrate their values, service and selflessness.

In Newcastle we will pay tribute to the brave men, women and children who gave so much for the freedoms that we have today. And, as in 1945, people and communities will be at the heart of our VE Day commemoration events and activities. 

VE Day community grants

To help as many people as possible take part in VE Day events in Newcastle we established a new fund, worth £3,000, to support community groups and organisations with grants of up to £200 to host events in their local areas.  

We received applications from groups and organisations across the city for a wide range of events and activities. After securing additional £1,500 funding we have funded over 20 events including street parties, World War 2 themed cooking and a video and podcast archive.

Remember and reflect exhibition

The Arches, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May 2025

Following the unconditional surrender of the German forces people across the country celebrated. Pubs stayed open late, the streets were filled with signing and dancing, parties and parades and special thanksgiving services were held. 

But along with the joy and relief was sadness for those who had lost their lives and prayers were said for the allied forces still fighting in Asia and the Pacific. There was also concern for the Prisoners of War still waiting to get home and horror at the images that were coming out of the Nazi concentration camps.

VE Day 80 is  a chance to learn about the stories of those who lived through the Second World War. To hear about the servicemen who fought, the women on the home front and the children who were evacuated. 

As part of our VE Day 80 commemorations as special exhibition will be on display in the Arches reception at the Civic Centre. It will feature memories and photos of local people who served or lived through the World War 2 along with wartime recipes, games, stories and photos from the Imperial War Museum. 

Get involved: If you have photos, stories or other memorabilia you would like us to include in the Remember and reflect exhibition please email angela.hamilton@newcastle.gov.uk by Tuesday 29 April. 

A place to remember

War Memorial, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle. Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May 2025

We understand that some people would like a dedicated place where they can take time to reflect on the past or honour the fallen. 

From Friday 2 May to Monday 12 May 2025 a VE Day flag will be flown at the War Memorial in Old Eldon Square to create a focal point where local  residents can choose their own time to come pay their respects. Floral tributes can be also be laid at the War Memorial.

Please note: There is no formal flag raising ceremony at the War Memorial.  

VE Day Commemorative events

Ceremonial Way, Civic Centre, Newcastle. Thursday 8 May 2025

9:00am  Flag raising ceremony

Join us as we pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

9:00pm  Band of the Fifth Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

9:05pm  Opening remarks: Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins

9:10pm  Musical tribute

9:15pm  VE Day speech - Colonel Peter Stitt, Commander North Region, British Army

9:25pm  Tribute to the fallen: Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins

9:28pm  National Anthem

9:30pm  Lighting of the flambeau beacons: Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins

VJ Day 1945

While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. 

Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history. More than 40 languages were spoken and all the world’s major religions represented. Victory over Japan came at a heavy price with many thousands losing their lives. 

On 15 August 1945,  Japan's surrender meant Second World War 2 finally came to an end. The day was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ Day.

Today the descendants of many of the veterans who served in the Far East are part of multicultural communities around the world as a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific. 

VJ Day 80

To mark eightieth anniversary of VJ Day the Far East the government have announce a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum. The Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died in the War in the Far East.

In Newcastle, we are making plans to pay tribute to those who fought in the Asia-Pacific including honouring local people who were part of the Fourteenth Army who served in the Burma campaign.