All you need to know about VE Day on Plymouth Hoe

Mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE) Day with a full day of celebrations on Plymouth Hoe. On Thursday 8 May, an unforgettable day will take place on the waterfront filled with ceremonies, an entertainment programme, evening concert and more. Here is 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.  

                                        

Times 

10.30am to 9.30pm  

There is an exciting programme of events set to take place throughout the day on Plymouth Hoe. Starting in the morning with flag raising ceremony and ending with an unmissable Sunset Guard Ceremony and a lighting of the Beacon on the Royal Citadel, it’s set to be an unforgettable day on one of Plymouth’s most iconic attractions.  

Check out the full schedule for the day:  

10.30am: Flag-Rasing ceremony, followed by Full Parade of Standards and a Royal Navy Guard 

11am: Gun fire from the Royal Citadel  

11.30am to 5pm: Entertainment Programme (see more here).  

5.30pm: Evening Concert (See line-up here).  

8.40pm: Sunset Guard ceremony and lighting of the Beacon  

                 

Evening Concert Programme: 

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

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

8.55pm - 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. There are Public Toilets by the Promenade Café (Ramp End) of the Hoe and some temporary facilities at the Elliot Terrace End of the Hoe. 

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. 

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

This blog was up to date at the time of posting.  

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