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VE Day 80
Plymouth
Devon
PL1 2PJ
Opening Times
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About us
Join Plymouth in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE)
Jump to: VE Day 80 on Plymouth Hoe | Remembering VE Day at The Box | VE Day Commemoration at Central Library | VE Day at Mount Edgcumbe | VE Day at Plymouth Market | Street Parties
VE Day 80 on Plymouth Hoe
Update: The flag raising ceremony will now be held at 11.30am. The 2-minute silence will take place soon after the flag raising at 12 noon; the change was made following the Government’s announcement that the national 2 minutes silence for VE Day will take place at 12 noon.
The day begins at 11.30am with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a Full Parade of Standards and a Royal Navy Guard, and a gun fire at 12pm from the Royal Citadel to mark the 2 minute silence.
Entertainment starts from 12.30pm and runs until 5.30pm, with picnic benches, stalls, live music (programme below) plus Commonwealth Wargraves Tours and vintage vehicles.
As the evening unfolds, an exciting concert will begin from 5.30pm.The day culminates with a Sunset Guard ceremony and the lighting of the Beacon at 8.40pm, a poignant moment to reflect on the significance of VE Day.
Thank you to partners Babcock and PL1 Events for supporting the VE Day 80 event on Plymouth Hoe
Live music programme:
12.30pm - 1pm | Devonport Royal Naval Volunteer Band
3pm - 4pm | Ocean City Sounds
5pm - 5.30pm | Mad About Swing Dance Session
5.45pm to 6.45pm | The Sultans
7pm to 8.15pm | Dave Hankin Big Band
8.55pm to 9.15pm | Dave Hankin Big Band Encore
Accessibility
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.
Catering: 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 really bright lights on the stage, but if these aren’t doable just look down at the floor when they’re too bright.
Other VE Day events in Plymouth
Check out the other events that are happening in Plymouth to commemorate VE Day 80.
Remembering Victory VE Day 80 at The Box
Plymouth's award winning museum, The Box, will be hosting special pop-up display to commemorate the occasion. The display is open on Saturday 10 May and will include images from the archives and selected items from the costume collection including their 'Dig for Victory' dress.
Find out more about Remembering Victory VE Day 80 at The Box
VE Day 80 Commemoration at Central Library
Step back in time and honour the end of World War II with a day filled with history, music and community spirit at Plymouth's Central Library to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
There will be historical displays, sound clips and oral histories (kindly provided by The Box) including peoples war time experiences playing in the library throughout the day.
Find out more about VE Day 80 Commemoration at Central Library
VE Day Commemoration at Mount Edgcumbe
Head to Mount Edgcumbe on Thursday 8 May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The ceremony will take place at Barn Pool.
Arrival from 10.30am. The event commences at 10.45am, with a 2 minute silence at 11am marked by the firing of field artillery.
On Thursday 8 May, head to Plymouth Market for special VE day deals, 1940’s music and a large screen showing historical coverage.
Plymouth City Council waived fees for street parties meaning that the community could celebrate the occasion across Plymouth.
The following road closures are in place for street parties across the city, they include:
48-69 Linketty Lane | 2.30pm-9pm on Saturday 10 May
3-36 Pinewood Close | 2pm-7pm on Saturday 10 May
1-47 Barn Park Road | 10am-5pm on Saturday 10 May
16-88 Hotham Place | 8am-8pm on Saturday 10 May
26-59 Compton Avenue | 12pm-6pm on Sunday 11 May
