Eighty years after Winston Churchill delivered his iconic address from Downing Street, proclaiming, “This is your victory!” a recitation of his renowned VE Day speech will be aired as the nation honors the moment when the Allies officially accepted Germany’s surrender in 1945.

The UK will observe four days of commemorative events, featuring a military parade through central London on Monday, where tens of thousands are anticipated to gather along the route from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace. A service at Westminster Abbey is scheduled for the anniversary on May 8, Thursday.

Actor Timothy Spall, known for his portrayal of Churchill in *The King’s Speech*, will read excerpts from Churchill’s VE Day broadcast on Monday. The procession will be officially initiated by Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, who is 100 years old, as he receives the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace.

Over 1,300 military personnel and youth groups will march down Whitehall, pass through Admiralty Arch, and proceed up the Mall towards Buckingham Palace, where they will be observed by the king, queen, senior royals, the prime minister, and several Second World War veterans.

Members of the royal family will witness a flypast from the palace balcony, reminiscent of the events 80 years earlier when George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret appeared before an enthusiastic crowd. Later, King Charles and Camilla will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for around 50 veterans and individuals from the Second World War generation.

Throughout the four-day commemorations, the Cenotaph, the nation’s landmark for remembrance, will be adorned with union flags, evoking the monument’s unveiling in 1920.

Across the nation, communities have organized VE Day 80 street parties, barbecues, and gatherings, including a celebration aboard HMS Belfast, which played a role in firing some of the first shots on D-Day in 1944 and safeguarded Arctic convoys during the conflict.

An installation of ceramic poppies will return to the Tower of London on Tuesday, featuring 30,000 original poppies from the 2014 display. On Tuesday evening, numerous buildings, such as Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, and the Houses of Parliament, will be illuminated. A concert titled *Scotland Salutes VE80* is planned at Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

On Wednesday, the Parliament Choir will present a concert in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster to commemorate Victory in Europe Day. At a VE Day event hosted at the Imperial War Museum North in Greater Manchester, a performance inspired by wartime letters submitted by the public will take place, co-produced by the IWM and the National Theatre. A national remembrance service is also set for Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.

The anniversary itself on Thursday will commence with a service at Westminster Abbey, beginning with a national two-minute silence. Commemorative activities will conclude with a concert at Horse Guards Parade, expected to draw around 10,000 attendees. This concert will showcase talents from stage and screen, including John Newman, and Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock, alongside military musicians, telling the narrative of victory and the legacy of the Second World War in Europe.

Looking forward to the commemorations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked, “This 80th anniversary serves as a moment of national unity—a time to celebrate the hard-won peace, honor the memories of those who sacrificed their lives, and acknowledge the contributions of so many who fought for our freedom. Their legacy endures in how we unite to uphold the values for which they battled, which bind us as a nation. This week, we gather to recognize their service.”

Victory in Europe Day, observed annually on May 8, commemorates the day the Allies officially recognized Germany’s surrender in 1945. As the surrender was eagerly awaited, many had already decorated their homes with bunting and purchased union flags.

On VE Day 1945, the then-Princess Elizabeth, in her Auxiliary Territorial Service uniform, stealthily joined the elated crowd outside the palace. She later described it as “one of the most memorable nights of my life.” This will mark the first significant VE Day anniversary without her presence.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated, “Eighty years ago, millions celebrated the conclusion of the Second World War in Europe. This week, we will relive that moment across our towns and cities, in our homes, in pubs, and on our streets. It is vital to ensure that the stories and memories from this historical period are not lost. We must remember the struggles, the bravery, and the countless lives lost. Our presence today is a testament to their sacrifices and the horrors they faced. I urge the nation to unite this week and send a strong message: we will remember them.”