Join Plymouth in commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

29th April 2025

Plymouth is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of spectacular events and activities on Plymouth Hoe and across the city.

This significant milestone will be marked with a day filled with remembrance, celebration, and community spirit. 

Plymouth played a crucial role during World War II, serving as a major naval base and embarkation point for troops. The city endured significant bombing during the Blitz, which led to extensive rebuilding efforts post-war. VE Day marked a moment of relief and celebration for the people of Plymouth, who had shown remarkable resilience and strength throughout the war.  

The main event on Thursday 8 May will be on Plymouth Hoe from 10.30am with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a Full Parade of Standards and a Royal Navy Guard, which will include a gun fire from the Royal Citadel. This ceremonial start will set the tone for a day of reflection and celebration. 

From 11.30am to 5pm, the Hoe will be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Visitors can enjoy picnic benches, stalls, entertainment, Commonwealth Wargraves Tours, and vintage vehicles.  

The atmosphere will be one of festivity and remembrance, bringing the community together to honour this historic occasion. As the evening unfolds, a concert will begin at 5.30pm and will culminate with a poignant Sunset Guard ceremony and the lighting of the Beacon at 8.40pm, providing a moment for all to reflect on the significance of VE Day. 

In addition to the main event on Plymouth Hoe, several other activities will take place across the city: 

• Remembering Victory: VE Day 80 at The Box: Plymouth's award-winning museum, The Box, will host a special pop-up display on Saturday 10 May in its Cottonian Research Room. The display will feature images and documents from the archives, handling objects and a small but fascinating selection of items from the costume collection, including a 'Dig for Victory' dress and a nightdress made from parachute silk. Visitors can also see items related to World War II in some of the other galleries at The Box. These include a series of display cases linked to the ‘Jyll Bradley: Running and Returning’ exhibition that combine personal items from the artist and the city’s collections, and the famous Bomb Book in the Active Archives gallery on its first floor. The Port of Plymouth gallery on the ground floor also includes objects linked to the war, including a painting titled ‘American destroyers arrive at Plymouth’ by official war artist Charles Ernest Cundall. There will also be themed specials on the menu in The Box Kitchen & Bar. 
• VE Day 80 at Central Library: Plymouth's Central Library will host a day filled with history, music, and community spirit on Thursday 8 May. Visitors can explore historical displays, sound clips, and oral histories provided by The Box, showcasing wartime experiences. 
• VE Day 80 at Mount Edgcumbe: On Thursday 8 May, head to Mount Edgcumbe for a ceremony at Barn Pool. The event will commence at 10.45am, with a two-minute silence at 11am marked by the firing of field artillery. 
• VE Day 80 at Plymouth Market: On Thursday 8 May, head to Plymouth market for special VE day deals, 1940’s music and a large screen showing historical coverage.  
• Street Parties: Plymouth City Council waived fees for street parties, allowing communities to celebrate across the city. Road closures will be in place for various street parties, including: 
  • Linketty Lane: 2.30pm to 9pm on Saturday 10 May 
  • Pinewood Close: 2pm to 7pm on Saturday 10 May 
  • Barn Park Road: 10am to 5pm on Saturday 10 May  
  • Hotham Place: 8am to 8pm on Saturday 10 May 
  • Compton Avenue: 12pm to 6pm on Sunday 11 May 

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Events, says: "We are thrilled to present a full programme of events across our city for VE Day 80.  

“This is not just an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of the past, but a chance to celebrate the enduring peace and unity that emerged from those tumultuous times. 

“Plymouth City Council is immensely proud to host a day of celebration and commemoration at The Hoe, The Box, and Central Library. I am also pleased that a number of local communities have embraced our offer of free road closures to organise their own street parties, bringing neighbours together in a spirit of camaraderie and shared history. 

“I hope that every resident of our city will join us in commemorating this historic day, celebrating the peace and unity that VE Day symbolises. Together, we can honour the past and look forward to a future of continued harmony.” 

Thank you to Babcock for supporting the events on The Hoe and PL1 Events for supporting the programme of activity. Their contributions have made it possible for us to host such a memorable and meaningful celebration. 

Visit VE Day 80 Plymouth to find out more about how the city is commemorating.