VE Day 80: When is VE Day 2025?
When is VE Day 2025? Learn when and how to celebrate VE Day 80 and what this date means.
Image: VE Day celebrations in London | Public Domain
This Spring, Sky HISTORY will honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day to mark 80 years since the end of WWII. Tune in for exclusive documentaries and captivating stories that bring this pivotal moment in history to life. Visit our VE Day 80 hub to find out more.
The spring of 2025 has come, and that means it’s been 80 years since Germany’s surrender in World War II. The UK and other Allied nations celebrated this win on a day that was named Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day.
When is VE Day 2025? It’s on 8th May 2025. Join us at SKY History as we explore why this day was so important and how you can celebrate its 80th anniversary.
Why did Germany surrender in May 1945?
In the spring of 1945, Germany’s surrender was seen as inevitable as the Nazis had suffered a series of failures and defeats.
German forces were caught between British and American soldiers on one side and soldiers from the Soviet Union on the other. And on 20th April, the Red Army of the Soviet Union invaded Berlin.
Adolf Hitler knew he had lost. On 30th April, he took his own life.
The Allied Supreme Commander, Eisenhower, then insisted that Germany’s new leaders must surrender. He would not meet with them until they did.
When exactly did Germany surrender?
We often say that Germany surrendered on 8th May. Actually, Germany’s surrender happened over several days.
On 4th May, German representatives visited British headquarters at Lüneburg Heath to offer a partial surrender. On 7th May, this was followed up by a complete surrender to General Eisenhower in Reims, France. However, that surrender would only take effect on the following day – 8th May.
That surrender was then ratified just past midnight on the morning of 9th May in a ceremony in Berlin. This was because the Soviet Union had wanted a slightly different document, a different location and a higher-ranking German representative.
Why is VE Day celebrated on 8th May?
The UK and most of the Allies celebrate on 8th May because it was the day when the first full surrender document came into effect.
But the Soviet Union celebrated victory in Europe on 9th May, the day when the final surrender in Berlin was officially signed. This date was called Victory Day rather than VE Day, and Russia still celebrates on this day instead.
New Zealand also celebrated on 9th May, but this was because time zones put Britain’s official announcement of the peace just past midnight in New Zealand.
What happened on VE Day?
VE Day in 1945 saw huge celebrations in the UK and around the world.
Some people in the UK already started celebrating when they heard the news on the evening of 7th May. But the official national holiday would be on 8th May.
People danced in the streets, which were decorated with flags and bunting, throughout the day and past midnight. Bonfires were lit, and fireworks were set off. Businesses marked the day with specially made souvenir products. Special church services were held, too.
Appearances from major figures played an important role in 1945’s VE Day. The Royal Family waved at crowds from their balcony, and King George VI gave a speech over the radio.
But perhaps the most important moment was a speech by Churchill at 3pm. This address, also broadcast on the radio, officially announced peace in Europe. Later, Churchill also appeared on a balcony to speak to partiers in the street.
Was VE Day the end of World War II?
VE Day was a crucial victory, but it was not the end of World War II because Japan was not yet defeated. Churchill noted this in his address, and the prospect of continued fighting in the Pacific added a sombre note to the day.
The true end of the war would come with Victory in Japan, or VJ Day. This is celebrated in the UK on 15th August, the date of Japan’s surrender.
How is VE Day usually marked in the UK?
VE Day in the UK often sees events of commemoration and thanks. These can include church services, moments of silence, and special TV programming.
Performances with music of the era may be held in honour of VE Day.
What celebrations are lined up for VE Day 80?
VE Day 80 is a major milestone, partly because there are very few World War II veterans remaining, so it provides one of the UK’s last chances to honour and celebrate them.
When is VE Day 2025’s official celebration? Actually, the UK’s VE Day 80 celebrations will run from 4th to 8th May. These will include:
- A military procession and aircraft flypast in London
- Street parties
- Decorations and special lighting on landmarks
- Church services, including one at Westminster Abbey
- Concerts
- Events with speeches and performances, such as one at the Royal Albert Hall.
Curious to learn more about World War 2 and other major historical events? Why not sign up to the SKY History Newsletter? You’ll get exclusive info and updates, the latest news on upcoming historical TV series and more.
