Overview

• Tens of thousands of community-led events, including street parties, picnics, and heritage-themed activities, are scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025, across the UK.
• A synchronized nationwide beacon lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 8, at 9:30 PM, with participation from regions including Cambridgeshire, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.
• Local councils have waived fees for street parties and provided resources to encourage widespread participation in commemorations.
• The VE Mail initiative, launched by the /together coalition, has enrolled over 1,000 schools and youth groups to send messages of gratitude to veterans.
• Special events include 1940s-themed gatherings at Brighton Palace Pier and HMS Belfast, as well as community dinners and teas at religious and cultural venues.