VE Day 80th anniversary London events to include military procession and flypast
Thousands are expected to line the streets of central London for the VE Day 80th anniversary on Monday 5th May 2025, as the capital prepares for one of the year’s most significant commemorative events.
The VE Day 80th anniversary will begin with a powerful moment of reflection as Big Ben strikes noon, followed by a live performance of Churchill’s famous victory speech in Parliament Square. From there, the atmosphere will shift into full ceremonial mode as 100-year-old veteran Alan Kennett receives a symbolic Torch for Peace from a young cadet, marking the handover of remembrance to a new generation.
A procession of 1,300 armed forces personnel will then sweep through the heart of the capital, moving past the Cenotaph, under Admiralty Arch and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace. It’s expected to be one of the largest gatherings of military and ceremonial forces London has seen in years, and Londoners are being invited to come out in their thousands to witness the occasion.
The royal family will observe from the Queen Victoria Memorial, with King Charles and Queen Camilla joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and other senior royals. Keir Starmer is also expected to attend alongside veterans and invited guests.
The spectacle in the skies will be just as stirring. The Red Arrows will lead a flypast of more than 20 aircraft, ranging from historic planes to modern military jets. This includes Typhoons, F-35 Lightnings, and aircraft currently active in UK defence and humanitarian missions. Among them are the P8 Poseidons used for reconnaissance near British waters and Voyagers, which have been involved in training and supplying Ukrainian recruits.
Later in the day, a reception hosted by the King and Queen will welcome around 50 Second World War veterans at Buckingham Palace. Set in the Marble Corridor, which will be decorated with recycled bunting, the tea party will include Wrens, Commonwealth Armed Forces members, and key figures from across the political and military spectrum.
However, the commemorations won’t be limited to the capital. Across the UK, people are being encouraged to host street parties, picnics and neighbourhood gatherings, with pubs allowed to extend opening hours to 1am on selected nights. Community events are expected to run throughout the week, including an art installation of ceramic poppies and a televised concert featuring well-known British performers.
This will be one of the last major occasions in which the wartime generation are present in person, and London’s plans are designed not only to honour the past but to inspire young people to carry the legacy forward.
To find out more about local and national plans for the VE Day 80th anniversary, visit the official VE Day 80 website.
For more updates on the VE Day 80th anniversary and London’s commemorative events, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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