VE Day Celebrations: Pubs to Extend Opening Hours for Anniversary Commemoration
In a nod to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, pubs and bars across the UK are set to extend their opening hours until 1am on Thursday, May 8. This move comes as part of the commemorative events planned to honour the sacrifices made by the wartime generation and celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for the nation.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has granted a one-day exemption to allow venues that typically have to close around 11pm to remain open for an additional two hours. This decision aims to encourage the public to join in the festivities and raise a glass in tribute to the men and women who served their country during World War II.
The hospitality industry has welcomed this initiative, with Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, praising the extension as a way to bring communities together and pay homage to the veterans and heroes of the past. Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, also expressed support, highlighting the significance of allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during this momentous occasion.
The VE Day celebrations will kick off on May 5 with a military procession and flypast in central London, followed by a series of events over the course of four days. From open-air music festivals to historical landmarks lighting up across the UK, the festivities will culminate on May 8 with the extended pub hours marking the final hours of the anniversary.
In addition to the pub extensions, various activities are scheduled, including an anniversary concert at the Palace of Westminster on May 7 and a parade of 80 pipers and drummers in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. Ceremonies such as the service at Westminster Abbey and the concert at the Horse Guards Parade in London will round off the official day of remembrance.
The decision to allow pubs to stay open later on VE Day echoes previous relaxations of licensing hours for special national events, such as Royal celebrations and major sporting finals. This gesture aims to foster community spirit, provide a platform for commemorative events, and offer a boost to the hospitality sector amid ongoing challenges.
As the country prepares to honour the legacy of VE Day and pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and peace, the extended pub hours serve as a symbolic gesture of gratitude and remembrance. The events planned for the 80th anniversary celebration promise to engage communities across the UK and inspire reflection on the significance of this historic milestone.