VE Day 80 – 8th May 2025 – A Shared Moment of Celebration

VE Day in 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

There are two key dates to remember, Thursday 8 May and Friday 15 August.

VE Day 2025, the 80th Anniversary – A Shared Moment of Celebration,

Thursday 8 May is Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) – the day the German forces surrendered to the Allied powers.

Friday 15 August is Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). This is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, in effect bringing World War Two to an end.

To commemorate these monumental moments in history, cathedrals, churches, local councils and community groups are encouraged to bring people together for VE Day and/or VJ Day.

Thursday 8th May 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. This will be commemorated nationally on Victory in Europe Day (8 May 2025).

Cathedrals will join churches, local councils and a host of different organisations to mark this historic moment. There’s a unique VE Day flag, cathedrals are urged to ring their bells at 6.30pm, there’s the lighting of beacons and lights of peace, and people are encouraged to come together throughout the day to hold parties of celebration to mark this day.

The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, chair of the Association of English Cathedrals and the Dean of St Albans said:

“On 8 May 2025 Cathedral bells around our nation will ring out as we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and give thanks for those who offered their service, and many their lives, that we might know peace.  

“As we gather in prayer in our Cathedrals and places of worship on that special anniversary, the bells that ring out are also a call to us to renew our commitment, people of all faiths and none, to work for peace in our communities and in God’s world.’

For more on events you can join in for VE Day visit here.

You will find news of special events and worship planned in our cathedrals to mark this anniversary on this page as they are announced.