In two months, Europe will mark the 80th anniversary of victory over the Nazis at the end of the Second World War.
It was one of the biggest moments of celebration in the 20th century – though VE Day also provided an opportunity to reflect on everything that was lost.
Eight decades on, the government has unveiled plans spanning four days around May 8.
There will also be events held on August 15 to mark the anniversary of VJ Day, when Japan
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: ‘The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are important opportunities for communities to come together to pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War and to reflect on the values that they were fighting for.
‘By taking part in these significant commemorations, people across society will be able to hear our veterans’ stories first hand, to reflect and remember, and ensure that their stories of sacrifice and service are remembered for generations to come.’
Here’s what will be coming up in May.
Monday May 5
Union flags will be draped over the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London, on the bank holiday Monday. They will remain there for the following four days.
The government said this would ensure the commemorations ‘act as a point of remembrance of the millions who lost their lives in the conflict as well as a celebration of peace’.
A military procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of modern and historic military aircraft including the Red Arrows.
Street parties will be held in communities across the country – including one on HMS Belfast, which sits in the Thames near Tower Bridge. The ship fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944.
Tuesday May 6
The moving display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, first installed to mark the centenary of the First World War in 2014, will return to the historic fortress.
This time, it will form a new installation inside rather than around it, to ‘resemble a “wound” at the heart of the Tower’ according to the government.
Landmarks around the UK will also be lit up on Tuesday evening.
Wednesday May 7
A Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert will be held in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Parliament Choir.
It will mark 80 years since the newsflash that announced Germany’s surrender and the designation of the following day as Victory in Europe Day.
Thursday May 8
On the anniversary of VE Day itself, a service will take place at Westminster Abbey which will serve as both ‘an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war’.
To conclude the four days of commemoration, a concert will take place at Horseguards Parade.
More than 10,000 members of the public will be in attendance to watch military musicians and stars of stage and screen celebrate the victory and tell the story of how it happened.
Friday August 15
Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Royal British Legion will partner with the government to honour those who died in the war in the Far East.
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