Get involved in VE Day 80 celebrations

9:00am - 11 April 2025
a tea party with Union Jack flags

Celebrations will take place next month to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and there’s lots of ways to get involved.

Four days of national events will take place in early May to celebrate 80 years since the Allied victory in Europe.

The Early May bank holiday, on Monday 5 May, is being dedicated to community celebrations, so it’s a great opportunity to get together with friends and neighbours.

Lots of activities are also taking place over the coming weeks in the lead-up to the event.

Find out more about the history of VE Day, and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, on the official commemorative website.

The website has lots of ideas on how to get involved with the commemorations, as well as an interactive map where you can add your event.

Remember to follow us on Facebook where we’ll be sharing a round-up of local VE Day 80 events in the coming weeks.

There are also different ways for children and young people to get involved and learn more:

  • VE Mail – hear directly from the people who lived and fought during the Second World War. Schools and youth organisations can request a letter from a veteran. Once received, the school can reply to thank them and say how much it’s meant for the children to learn about VE Day and the veteran’s experiences.
  • 10 Downing Street bunting competition - schools and young people can send in their colourful, patriotic and creative VE Day 80 bunting designs. Entries will be judged by a special guest and the winning designs will be professionally printed and made into real bunting to decorate 10 Downing Street. The deadline to send in designs is Wednesday 23 April.
  • Educational resources - Our Shared Story is a collection of free educational resources for schools and youth organisations to use both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Keep an eye out for special book displays appearing in our libraries nearer the time.

Nailsea Town Council is organising an exhibition at 65 High Street and is on the lookout for anyone who has photos, memorabilia or personal memories of VE Day in Nailsea in 1945. If you, or anyone you know, has anything to share email enquiries@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01275 855 277.