When is VE Day 2025, Is it a bank holiday in the UK?

LONDON, April 25, 2025 – Thousands of people will gather in London next month to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The events will honor the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8, 1945.

This year’s celebration will be the biggest in decades. It will include military parades, a Winston Churchill speech performance, and a Red Arrows flypast.

When is VE Day?

Victory in Europe (VE) Day is on Thursday, May 8. It marks the day Nazi Germany surrendered in 1945, ending the war in Europe. The UK government is holding week-long celebrations starting from the early May bank holiday on Monday, May 5.

What Will Happen During the Celebrations?

The main events will begin at Parliament Square in London. At 12:00 noon, Big Ben will strike. Then, a performance of Winston Churchill’s famous VE Day speech will be read aloud.

After the speech, Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old WWII veteran, will be handed the Torch for Peace. Alan served in Normandy and said the day is a “huge honor” and brings back many memories.

Next, a large military parade will begin. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will lead the march down Whitehall.

The march will continue from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. The Cenotaph, a national war memorial, will be decorated with Union Jack flags.

A special Red Arrows flypast will soar across the sky. Crowds will be able to watch from different locations in London.

On Thursday evening, a large celebration will take place at Horse Guards Parade. The event will be broadcast live on BBC One.

Who Will Attend?

The event will include Prime Minister Keir Starmer, members of the Royal Family, and thousands of spectators. Many are expected to come from all over the UK to honor the fallen and celebrate the peace that followed the war.

Extended Pub Hours Announced

In good news for the hospitality sector, pubs and bars that usually close at 11 PM will be allowed to stay open until 1 AM on Thursday, May 8.

Michael Kill, chief of the Night Time Industries Association, said this will give businesses a much-needed boost. “VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance,” he said. “It’s also a chance for communities to come together.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer added: “Keeping our pubs open for longer gives people the chance to raise a glass to those who served their country.”

Is VE Day a Bank Holiday?

May 8 is not a bank holiday in the UK. Instead, the early May bank holiday on May 5 has been dedicated to community events and remembrance.

Many local areas will host their own parades, street parties, and school events to mark the anniversary.