VE Day 80th anniversary: How is it being marked around the UK?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe day, a key event at the end of WW2. On 8 May 1945 people all over the world celebrated Germany's surrender, which had been agreed the previous day. It comes ahead of VJ Day - Victory in Japan Day - on 15 August which commemorates the end of the war.This year will be VE Day's 80th anniversary, with lots of exciting events planned from Monday 5 until the anniversary itself on Thursday 8 May. As events to mark the 75th anniversary were disrupted by the Covid pandemic, the celebrations will be even more special this year - here's a taster of what you can expect to see.
5 May
A military procession is planned to take place from Whitehall, in central London, to Buckingham Palace. It will be followed by a flypast of current and historical military aircraft, including the famous Red Arrows. The union flag will be placed on the Cenotaph, on Whitehall - a national war memorial dedicated to those who died in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts since.There are also due to be street parties and community gatherings across the country, including on board warship HMS Belfast in London!
6 May
Did you know poppies are a symbol of remembrance? They are often worn to show respect for those who died as part of wars and other conflicts. At the Tower of London a special display of ceramic poppies is set to be installed. The new display will resemble a 'wound' at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today. Poppies will pour across the lawn overlooked by the ancient White Tower, where the red flowers will form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards.Historic landmarks across the UK will be lit up, so there might even be one near you, you could go and see.
7 May
On the evening of the 7 May 1945, people received a very special newsflash telling them that the next day would be Victory in Europe Day. To commemorate this important historic moment, there will be a Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert in the famous Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster in central London. The Parliament Choir will be singing so you might see some famous faces from the world of UK politics as a part of it, and although it's not open to the public its likely to be on TV.
8 May
A service will be held in Westminster Abbey as both a service of remembrance for those who died and a celebration of the end of the war.Then events will be brought to a close with a huge concert at the historic Horse Guards Parade and 10,000 members of the public will be able to get tickets. As well as musicians, there will be theatre and film stars to help tell the story of victory and the impact of the Second World War in Europe.While elsewhere in London, at the Royal Albert Hall, the party atmosphere will continue with music, dancing and first-hand stories from people who were alive for VE back all the way back in 1945. Newsround will be in the thick of all the action so watch our bulletins to find out more.
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