VE Day Celebrations

A list of some local celebrations commemorating VE Day.

The 8th of May marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day, which celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.

Here are some local celebrations happening for 8th May, VE Day:

Flag Raising Ceremonies in Aylesbury and Wycombe

Led by Buckinghamshire Council’s Chairman and representatives from the Armed Forces, flags will be raised at 9am outside the Old Crown Court in Aylesbury and Queen Victoria Road council offices in High Wycombe.

Princes Risborough Beacon Lighting

Princes Risborough Town Council is proud to announce its participation in a nationwide tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, by lighting a commemorative Beacon on the evening of Thursday, 8th May 2025. Risborough residents, families, and friends are warmly invited to gather at the Stratton Memorial Garden, Long Hide (HP27 0JX) from 8:25 PM, with the formal proceedings beginning at 8:45 PM. The evening will feature a series of readings, culminating in the lighting of the Beacon at 9:30 PM in the Stratton Memorial Garden. For the latest information, please go to www.princesrisboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk or search ‘Risborough Town Council’ on Facebook.

Roman Park Hall Beacon Lighting

Free entry event on the 8th May includes marching drummers and an acoustic band from 7:30pm. The lighting of the beacon will take place from 9:30pm. Free refreshments will be available.

VE Day 80 Year Anniversary Celebration in Chalfont St Peter

Thursday, 8 May 2025 7pm to 10pm at Gold Hill Common. 7:30pm to 9:30pm Food Trucks (Fish and Chips, Ice Cream, Coffee); 7:30pm to 9pm Anna Nightingale 1940s live singer; 9:30pm Lighting the Beacon, VE Day Anniversary Tribute read, and everyone sings “I Vow to Thee My Country” hymn.

Lighting of the Beacon at Milton Keynes Museum

Enjoy live entertainment on the bandstand, cadet marches, plus food and drink stalls. Everyone is welcome, free entry. 7pm to 10pm (the beacon will be lit at 9:30pm). This free event is in partnership with Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council.

Stoke Mandeville VE Day Celebration

9am - Raising of the Flag, Village Green, Lower Road; 9 to 11am- Exhibition in St Mary's Church, Swallow Lane; 12 midday to 5pm- vintage cinema, The Bull pub; 4pm- fish and chips; 6 to 9pm- singers and DJ at The Bull; 9pm- Lamp lighting ceremony on the village green.

Wendover Parish Council VE Day Celebrations

Located in Hampden Meadow, Wendover: 8.45pm - Engage with RAF Personnel at the WPC gazebo; 9.15pm - Service; 9.30pm - Lighting of Beacon, followed by I Vow to thee My Country.

The Parish Council invite people to bring their own "lamps of peace" to hold throughout the service, battery candles or lanterns etc. and ask that dogs are kept on leads during the service and beacon lighting.