Thursday 8th May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the victory of Britain and the Allies over Nazi Germany in Europe.
VE Day honours the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Second World War. The 80th anniversary provides an opportunity for everyone to hear the experiences of veterans, learn about life at home during the war, and reflect on those who were lost. Events will take place across the country to mark this significant anniversary.
A variety of events will be held across Bracknell Forest to celebrate and commemorate this historic day.
Events in Bracknell Forest
Binfield Parish Council
Binfield Parish Council has organised a series of events to mark VE Day in the coming weeks and months.
Sunday 4th May – VE Day 80 Celebration at Farley Wood
A range of music, food, entertainment and community stalls will be held from midday until 5pm. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in 1940s outfits or red, white and blue. Volunteers are needed! Please email office@binfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk for more information.
Thursday 8th May – Beacon lighting at Foxley Fields
At 9am the flag will be raised. At 6.30pm there will be a military parade, garden games, and live music from the Polka Dots. Food and drink will be available to purchase. The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm.
Sunday 11th May – Binfield British Legion 100th anniversary at St. Marks Church
The Binfield British Legion is 100 years old in 2025. At 9.30am a military parade will begin the day, followed by a 10am church service.
Bracknell Library
In the week leading up to VE Day, Bracknell Library will host a free eco-craft event on Saturday 10th May from 10am to 11.30am.
The library is hosting a talk about Glenn Miller and the role of music in World War II. Historian Ray Smith will lead this fascinating event on Monday 12th May from 10.30am to 11.30am. Learn more and reserve your space on Eventbrite: Glenn Miller: the role of music in WWII and his disappearance in 1944 Tickets, Mon, May 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite
Bracknell Town Centre
The Bracknell Royal British Legion (RBL) will be in the town centre selling poppies and engaging with the community. A civic ceremonial event will take place on the evening of Thursday 8th May from 8.30pm to 9.45pm. It will begin with a parade by the Bracknell RBL at 8.20pm, starting from Princess Square, proceeding through the town and ending in Bond Square.
The Brackenhale Combined Cadet Force will join the parade, which will be welcomed by the Vocalese choir. At 9.30pm attendees will join the rest of the nation in lighting a VE Day Beacon and a Lamplight of Peace. The ceremony will feature reflections and celebration, including a special dance performance by Eliba Dance School. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Crowthorne Royal British Legion
A day of activity is planned at the Royal British Legion (RBL) Crowthorne club, Wellington Road. VE Day 80 pins will be available for purchase at the club in advance and on the day.
9am – opening of events
The day begins at 9am as the VE Day 80 ceremonial flag is raised.
3pm to 5.30pm – tea dance
A tea dance will be held from 3pm to 5.30pm with local favourite performer, Emma Baldwin.
Tickets are available from the club and are £7 for members and £9 for non-members. This event is free to club members aged 80 and over. You must show proof of age and membership card.
6pm to 8pm – fish and chip supper
Fish and chips were one of the very few meals not rationed during the Second World War. A supper will be served from 6pm to 8pm to remember this. Attendees will receive fish and chips, peas, cups of tea and bread and butter. Tickets are £12.50 and it is recommended to book in advance through the club.
9.30pm – lighting of the Lamplight of Peace
The day will finish with a ceremony at 9:30pm to light the Lamplight of Peace and sing ‘I vow to thee my country’.
Community events
VE Day falls on Thursday 8th May. However, communities and organisations are encouraged to use the bank holiday on Monday 5th May to come together and enjoy ‘The Great British Food Festival’.
Local communities can join the nationwide Great British Food Festival on Monday 5th May by holding street parties, cooking up a BBQ or fry up with your neighbours, hosting a curry night, or by organising a Big Lunch extravaganza.
The Great British Food Festival is a joint initiative by The /Together Coalition and the Department for Culture Media and Sport. It aims to celebrate our freedom and to bring different communities together through food and recipes.
Funding is available for these events through The National Lottery Community Fund.
Commemorate at home
From small gatherings with family and friends to larger community events, you can plan your own VE Day event at home. Why not:
- host a street party (be sure to follow the guidance if you’re looking to do this)
- share historical letters from your VE and VJ Day generation relatives
- visit a local war memorial to pay tribute to those that served
- learn more about the end of the Second World War
