Wales Celebrates VE Day 80th Anniversary with a Range of Events
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), a historic occasion commemorating the Allies’ victory over Germany in World War II. The celebrations in Wales are set to be grand, with a series of events planned across the country from the early May bank holiday on Monday, May 5, 2025, leading up to the official VE Day on Tuesday, May 8, 2025.
To centralize the commemorative events, an official website has been launched, allowing people to access information on the various events taking place throughout Wales. First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, has encouraged communities to come together for the bank holiday celebrations, which will include ‘The Great British Food Festival’ and other activities reminiscent of the spirit of 1945.
Residents are urged to apply for road closures to host street parties in their local areas ahead of the celebrations. Many of these applications are free of charge to support the VE Day 80 celebrations, with deadlines mostly falling in mid-April. The events planned for the days leading up to VE Day include flag-raising ceremonies, bell ringing, beacon lighting, and a nationwide performance of ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’.
Numerous towns and counties in Wales have organized a range of events to mark the occasion. From Llanarth to Rhondda Cynon Taf, communities are gearing up for a variety of activities. In Llanarth, celebrations on May 10, 2025, will feature displays, music performances, food stalls, games, and more. In Usk, events on May 8, 2025, will include flag-raising, afternoon tea, bell ringing, cannon firing, musical performances, and beacon lighting, among others.
In Brecon, festivities on May 8 and 10 include flag raising, community singalongs, musical entertainment, and a picnic at the Bandstand. Monmouth will host a public service, while Blaenavon will have a 1940s-themed garden party. Newport, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, and other areas are also preparing for street parties and other celebrations.
In Cardiff, special events include a celebration picnic at Cardiff Castle on May 5, 2025, and a National Service of Thanksgiving at Llandaff Cathedral on May 7, 2025. Rhondda Cynon Taf has planned various activities, including a flag-raising ceremony, beacon lighting, and a service and parade at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
The Vale of Glamorgan, Barry, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembroke, and other regions are also participating in the VE Day commemorations with a range of events, from street parties to concerts and services. The Welsh Government plans to announce VJ Day celebrations on August 15 to commemorate the Allied victory over Japan in WWII.
As Wales prepares to mark this significant milestone, communities are coming together to remember and honor the sacrifices made during World War II. The events planned across the country reflect a shared commitment to never forget the history and significance of VE Day, bringing people together in a spirit of unity and remembrance.