Servicemen join revellers as they party for VE Day in London - VE Day in London 1945

VE Day - 80 Years On

Remembering VE Day – 80 Years On at the National Memorial Arboretum 

We will be holding a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum on Thursday 8th May to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. 

VE Day Tea Party 

A private event for WWII veterans and their families. 

  • Date and time: Thursday 8th May 2025, at 2pm 

  • Location:  Aspects at the National Memorial Arboretum 

Service of Commemoration

For WWII veterans and their families and those who have a connection to the war. General public is also welcome to observe.

  • Date and time: Thursday 8th May 2025, at 4pm 

  • Location: Naval Review at the National Memorial Arboretum 

To attend:

Registration has now closed but, if you are a Second World War veteran and are interested in attending the event at the Arboretum, please register your interest by emailing [email protected].

Please note that registering does not guarantee a ticket to attend but we will be in touch to confirm. Those who attend the VE Day Tea Party will have priority access to the Service of Commemoration.

The Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on Thursday 8th May, and everyone is welcome. Seating for members of the public at the Service of Commemoration will be made available on a first come first served basis after the ticketed guests are seated. The service will also be streamed into Heroes' Square. It is highly recommended that members of the public book their parking in advance online to guarantee entry - more information can be found on the Arboretum's website here.

The first few months of 1945 saw the Allied forces in Europe rapidly gain ground and capture hundreds of thousands of prisoners.

As the Allies closed in on a surrounded Berlin, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler committed suicide on the last day of April, and the German forces’ unconditional surrender followed on 7th May.

A newsflash was broadcast to the public announcing the end of the war in Europe and that the next day was declared Victory in Europe (VE) Day (and a public holiday in the UK). Throughout the Allied world, millions celebrated. In Britain, pubs could stay open until late, and red, white and blue bunting could be bought without ration coupons. Streets were filled with singing and dancing, parties and parades. Special thanksgiving services were held.  

Yet the joy and relief were tempered by memories of the hundreds of thousands who had died, or were still missing, and concern for those still at war. Brutal fighting continued to rage in east Asia and the Pacific until August. 

More than 250,000 Allied Prisoners of War were liberated in Europe, and their repatriation home had to be organised. 

As the Allies swept across Europe they uncovered the full horror of the network of concentration and forced labour camps and other locations where six million Jewish people and hundreds of thousands of others had been murdered. Genocide, war and forced population movements created more than 50 million refugees and displaced people in Europe. It would take many months and vast resources to care for and resettle these people. 

Yet after years of uncertainty and sacrifice, the people of Europe could face the new challenges of reconstruction and peace. 

The Second World War generation changed the course of history, and commenced the rebuilding of an exhausted country in the post war years. These men and women defended the freedoms we enjoy today. We remember their service and sacrifice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Registration and tickets for the events

    Who can attend the service?

    If you are a WW2 veteran or have a connection to WW2 and would like to attend the event, please register your interest via the form here: Remembering the end of the Second World War This form will close at 11.59pm on Monday 7th April. 

    Please note that registering here does not guarantee a ticket to attend. We will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your application by Thursday 10th April. 

    The National Memorial Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on Thursday 8th May, and visitors will be welcome to watch the commemorative service, Remembering VE Day – 80 Years On, in the grounds.  

    Visit the website thenma.org.uk/VE-Day-80 or call 01283 245 100for further information. 

    Who can attend the VE Day Tea Party?

    The Tea Party will be a ‘by invitation-only' event. Veterans of the Second World War generation and their families will be invited to attend a VE Day Tea Party before the service, alongside a select number of key RBL representatives.

    I missed the registration deadline; can I still attend the commemorative service?

    If you did not register your interest on our website, the National Memorial Arboretum will be open to the public as normal on Thursday 8th May, and visitors will be welcome to watch the commemorative service in the grounds, for these visitors seating will be made available on a first come first served basis.

    Entry to the National Memorial Arboretum is free, but booking your visit in advance is recommended to guarantee entry on the day, and to save on parking (£5 in advance, £8 on the day). Please use the following link to book parking:

    Book Tickets | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum

    Please note on the day, only registered veterans and their family guests will be permitted into the Royal British Legion hosted area of Aspects.

    Can I bring a Standard to parade on VE Day at the Arboretum?

    Due to the limited space that will be available on the day and pre-choregraphed service, only invited standards will be permitted to participate in the VE Day service.

    Can children attend the commemorative service?

    Yes, the event is suitable for children of all ages.

    If I am successful in receiving an invitation for the event, when is the RSVP deadline?

    The deadline to complete registration will be Monday 21st April.

    If I am successful in securing a ticket, can I bring a guest to the commemorative service?

    Yes, if you were successful in securing a ticket, you will receive a formal invitation from us via email which will invite you to complete registration. You will have the option to add one guest.

    I was unsuccessful in securing tickets, will there be a reserve list if any tickets become available?

    Those who were not successful in securing tickets will be automatically added to a reserve list. We will then be in touch via email in the case that we receive any cancellations. There will be a tight turnaround to confirm your place, so please ensure you keep an eye on your emails. If you would like to be removed from the reserve list, please let us know.

    How do I cancel my ticket if I am no longer able to attend?

    If you can no longer attend the service, please contact us at [email protected]

    My nominated guest is no longer able to attend, will I be able to amend the details of my guest?

    If your guest can no longer attend, please contact us at [email protected] and we can advise further.

    If more tickets become available, can I apply for more than two tickets?

    If you are on the reserve list for tickets, we will be in touch if tickets become available. This will be for yourself and one guest only.

    When will I receive my ticket?

    You will be sent your e-ticket on Monday 28th April, alongside a parking pass and joining instructions.

    Do I need to print my ticket before arriving or can I show a digital copy of my ticket?

    Your ticket will be sent as an e-ticket, so you will not be required to show a printed copy.

    How will I receive my ticket?

    You will receive your e-ticket via email, alongside a parking pass and joining instructions.

    Event day questions

    What time should I arrive?

    You will receive detailed event timings in your joining instructions, which will be sent on 29-30th April.

    Will there be security searches?

    No, guests will not be subject to security searches. If there are any changes to security measures, these will be communicated on the joining instructions sent to ticketed guests, and on the RBL website here: VE Day | Remembrance Events | Royal British Legion

    Do I need to bring my ID?

    If you are a ticket holder, you must bring a form a photographic ID alongside your e-ticket. If ticket holders do not have access to photographic ID, they may bring two utility bills (proof of address) with them.

    Can I bring my own seat?

    No, there will be no opportunity to use your own items in the service area or Heroes' Square during the service.

    Can I lay a wreath at the service?

    Unfortunately, visitors will not be able to lay a wreath during the service, but visitors would be welcome to choose appropriate areas for their own tributes around the Arboretum.

    Is the venue accessible?

    You can find detailed information regarding accessibility of the venue on the National Memorial Arboretum website here: thenma.org.uk/VE-Day-80

    How can I get to the National Memorial Arboretum?

    You can find information about travelling to the Arboretum on their website here: Getting Here | Plan Your Visit | National Memorial Arboretum

    What is the dress code for the private tea party guests?

    The dress code for ticketed guests is day dress or lounge suits. Full size decorations may be worn if desired. Serving personnel attending can wear the following uniform:

    RN – No. 1B Dress, RM – No. 1B Dress with Lovats, Army – No. 2 Dress, RAF – No. 1 SD (with medals and leathers, less swords)

    What is the dress code for the service of commemoration for the general public?

    There is not a dress code for visitors to the Arboretum on 8th May, however, we do advise visitors to wear appropriate clothing for the weather and potential ground conditions.

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