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The Irish Sun

Almost half of Brit population joined in VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations smashing previous records

A RECORD 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month. Almost half the country took part in some way, by attending street parties, parades or by observing the two-minute silence. Advertisement 8 A record 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month Credit: Getty 8 Veteran George Durrant, 100, who received the Burma Star, proudly waves his flag as he receives kisses Credit: Getty 8 RAF veterans Kathleen Lawrence, 101, and husband Roy Lawrence, 100, at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire Credit: Getty 8 The Sun's Mike Ridley interviews veteran Bernard Morgan, 100 Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun 8 Jim Bowes dances with a member of staff at Erskine Veterans Home in Bishopton, Scotland Credit: Getty It smashed the record set by the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, when 16.8million people took part. Brendan Cox, whose Together Coalition helped promote the commemoration, said: 'The historic levels of participation tell us there is a desire to connect with our shared history and to celebrate shared values together. 'At a time when our politics is more fragmented than ever, it's all the more welcome our country is still able to come together to celebrate what we have in common.' The events marked Advertisement Read More on UK News A military parade past Thousands of A service was held in VE Day was a 'jolly' moment but work went on, 100-year-old former Wren says 8 King Charles with veteran Harry Richardson, 107, during the anniversary Credit: AFP Advertisement 8 Prince George and Kate meet veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace Credit: PA 8 Veterans pose for a picture at the National Memorial Arboretum Credit: Getty