All you need to know about VE Day 80 on Plymouth Hoe

Mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a full day of commemorations on Plymouth Hoe. On Thursday 8 May, Plymouth’s waterfront will come alive with ceremonies, live entertainment, an evening concert and more. Here’s everything you need to know about VE Day 80:

                        

When is it happening and where?  

VE Day 80 will take place on Thursday 8 May on Plymouth Hoe.

The event is free to attend; however, trader prices will vary.  

                                        

Timings

The event will start at 11.30am and finish at 9.30pm  

A packed schedule of commemorative events will unfold throughout the day. It begins with a flag-raising ceremony in the morning and culminates in a moving Sunset Guard Ceremony and a beacon lighting on the Royal Citadel - all set against the stunning backdrop of Plymouth Sound.

Check out the full schedule for the day:  

11.30am: Flag-raising ceremony, followed by Full Parade of Standards and a Royal Navy Guard 

12pm: Gun fire from the Royal Citadel and two minute silence 

12.30pm to 5pm: Daytime programme with picnic benches, stalls, entertainment, and Commonwealth Wargraves Tours and vintage vehicles.

5.30pm: Evening concert with The Sultans and Dave Hankin Big Band.  

8.40pm: Sunset Guard ceremony and lighting of the Beacon  

                 

Evening Concert Programme: 

5.45pm to 6.45pm: The Sultans. Get ready to dance and jive to this rock 'n' roll, Latin & swing band!  

7pm to 8.15pm: Dave Hankin Big Band. Continue celebrating into the night with this powerful fusion of swing, jazz and funk music!

8.55pm to 9.15pm: Dave Hankin Big Band Encore 

                               

Accessibility information 

Disabled parking: The regular disabled parking will be available on the Ramp end of the Hoe, however there is no access between 10.30am and 11.30am.  

Weather conditions: Be prepared for the unpredictable British weather and conditions on the Hoe. Drinking water will be available, so please bring your own refillable water bottle or cup. 

There will be some catering units on site and The Promenade Café and Liner Lookout will be open as usual.

Toilets: There are accessible toilets at both ends of the Hoe. The Hoe’s new permanent public toilets include six unisex toilets, with one additional accessible toilet and large, accessible changing room. This means the new facilities can be used safely and comfortably by all people with disabilities. 

Sensory needs: Prepare yourself for the busy crowds, loud noises (particularly at the Gun Fire), live music and fun bright atmosphere. Some people may wish to bring ear defenders. Sunglasses are also helpful for bright lights on the stage, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright. 

                                

Travel Information  

If you do need to travel by car then there are lots of car parks within walking distance, the closest being the Theatre Royal Car Park. Find somewhere to park on the Plymouth City Council website. 

If you’re travelling by bus, then services from all across the city will stop at Royal Parade which is then just a ten-minute walk to Plymouth Hoe. 

All visitors arriving by car are encouraged to use Plymouth’s Park and Ride services to Royal Parade which is approximately a 10-minute walk up to the Hoe. Plymouth Citybus are offering free travel on the day to current serving Military Personnel, Cadets and Veterans with a valid ID or in uniform.

Please request your free ticket from your driver when boarding our bus.

If you were planning to travel by train, please check the GWR website for details. 

Thank you to partners Babcock and PL1 Events for supporting VE Day 80. 

   

For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner