Is VE Day 2025 a bank holiday in the UK?
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Thousands of people are set to line the streets in London next week to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day.
The celebrations will cap off a week of commemorative events 80 years after World War II ended on May 8, 1945.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Family will also be in the audience for the Red Arrows flypast, a Churchill speech performance, and a military procession of 1,300 armed forces members.
The procession will begin in Parliament Square, with a recital of Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech, the moment Big Ben strikes noon.
Alan Kennett, a 100-year-old veteran who served in Normandy, will then be handed the Torch for Peace before the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery lead a procession down Whitehall.
Kennett, who travelled to Normandy with the Royal British Legion for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, called it a 'huge honour' and said the day 'brings back so many memories'.
While Victory in Europe (VE) Day is officially May 8 – the date the Second World War came to an end in 1945 – commemorations will kick off on the May bank holiday from Monday, May 5.
Celebrators will be able to see the Cenotaph draped Union flags, as well as a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
May Day also promises an RAF flypast over London.
That Thursday on May 8, there will be a party at Horse Guards Parade shown live on BBC One.
Plus, pubs and bars that usually close at 11pm can keep serving for an extra two hours on May 8.
People are encouraged to celebrate VE Day in many ways, from lighting beacons and bonfires to taking part in the 'big bake', where people are encouraged to bake an orange and ginger cake.
'I am delighted to provide a recipe for the official Women's Institute cake in recognition of Britain's women's incredible effort during WWII, for VE Day 80,' said author Nancy Birtwhistle.
'My recipe was used by my own grandmother who lived through two world wars,' she added. 'Her recipe doesn't require mixers or whisks, and the batter will not curdle.
'This is my tribute to the women preserving food, and working tirelessly using simple methods and ingredients in those times.'
Schoolchildren are also being asked to do 'Victory Veg' displays. Making a 'V' out of red, white, and blue fruits and vegetables they've grown, or make a piece of artwork or digital collage.
VE Day, May 8, is not a bank holiday.
Instead, the early May bank holiday, May 5, has been dedicated to community celebrations marking the anniversary.
These are the upcoming bank holidays in England and Wales for 2025: May 5 – early May bank holiday
May 26 – Spring bank holiday
August 25 – Summer bank holiday
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Those wanting to celebrate the on the day itself should not despite, however.
That is because pubs will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours, allowing revellers to celebrate until 1am on the Friday morning.
As the country celebrates the end of the Second World War, many will betreating themselves to a takeaway or some fast food.
Most McDonalds, Greggs and KFC outlets will operate normal hours on bank holiday Monday.
Monday May 5
Union Jacks will be draped over the Cenotaph and a military procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace – including the Red Arrows roaring over the capital and beyond.
Street parties will be held across the country on the bank holiday.
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.
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.
Thursday May 8
This is the actual VE Day. 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'.
A concert will also take place at Horseguards Parade to mark the end of commemorations.
There's a good chance a street party will be taking place near you. Those with country parks, gardens, community halls and quiet roads are asked to unfold the chairs and tables and host a party.
And expect a lot of bell ringing, too. Cathedrals have been asked to ring their bells at 6.30pm in a united call to 'work for peace', explained Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, chair of the Association of English Cathedrals.
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.
All three fast food chains have store finds, which you can use to double check before you visit. More Trending
For those caught up watching all the commemorations at home on TV, home delivery could be on the cards.
McDonalds, Greggs and KFC all have outlets on the main delivery apps Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat
This article was originally published on April 25, 2025
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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MORE: Best VE Day celebrations across the UK – from Red Arrows flypast to royals and street parties
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