Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan Day

This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August 1945.

More information about national celebrations and commemorations for VE Day can be found on the campaign webpage.

In Nottinghamshire, towns and villages will be joining together in commemoration.

Nottinghamshire County Council is preparing to mark the 80th anniversaries of both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in 2025.

The commemorations will include several events to honour the sacrifices made by members of the Commonwealth and British Armed Forces. Planned activities include an outdoor “Concert for Peace” featuring the Band of the Royal Engineers, to be held on May 4 2025 at Victoria Embankment, Nottingham and a special service at Southwell Minster on May 11.

The commemorations will also feature a touring exhibition, “Nottinghamshire At War,” which will visit libraries, community venues, and the County Show, commencing on May 8 2025. The goal of this exhibition is to bring to life the stories of local servicemen and women who played critical roles during World War II, allowing the community to better understand the personal sacrifices made during this time.

Another poignant moment will be the unveiling of a Commonwealth Plaque at Victoria Embankment. This plaque will serve as a tribute to the more than 150,000 service members from across the British Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives during World War II. Nottinghamshire residents currently lack a dedicated space for commemorating these heroes, and the new plaque aims to fill this gap. 

Get Involved

Find out more about the social impact of WW11 in Nottinghamshire by visiting Nottinghamshire County Council's website.

Are you planning on holding a street party? Please apply for a road closure on the Nottinghamshire County Council website.

Find out more about how to organise a neighbourhood street party on the Government website.

Host a Brew and Bake event

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Combat Stress is relaunching their Brew and Bake - a nationwide initiative encouraging people to host coffee mornings to raise funds for veterans’ mental health for VE Day 80.

The official Brew and Bake date is Thursday 8 May 2025 - aligning with the VE Day anniversary - but events can take place whenever works best around that time. Whether through hosting a coffee morning, sharing this opportunity with others, or encouraging local businesses and groups to get involved, your support would mean so much to veterans in your catchment and across the UK.

The Great British Food Festival

Plan and host a Great British Food Festival on Monday May 5. This could be a small gathering with friends, a Big Lunch with your neighbours, a food festival in your community or even a BBQ.

On the Great British Food festival website you can find all the materials to help you get started, including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together full of event planning resources and tips, craft activities, posters, invites and conversation prompts for communities hosting local celebrations.

Planning your Great British Food Festival has never been easier!

Commemorate VE & VJ Day at Concert for Peace at Nottingham War Memorial on Sunday May 4

Residents are invited to a special Concert for Peace to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day on Sunday May 4 from midday to 4pm at the Nottingham War Memorial, Victoria Embankment.

Bring along your own chairs, blankets and refreshments to the concert celebrating the end of World War Two. 

The eagerly-anticipated concert will feature:

• Performances from the Band of the Royal Engineers, Nottingham Military Wives Choir and the Ukrainian Community Choir
• Sounds and songs from the wartime era
• Audience participation

VE Celebration Day Tea Dance

Carefound Home Care in West Bridgford is hosting a VE Celebration Day Tea Dance on Friday May 9 from 2.15pm to 3.45pm at Lutterell Hall, Church Drive, West Bridgford NG2 6AY. 

The event is free to attend and participants can enjoy live entertainment, homemade cakes, refreshments, quizzes, a memorabilia stand and a raffle! All funds raised will go to the Rushcliffe Dementia Action Network (RDAN).

VE Dance hosted by Antlers Bistro

Step back in time for an unforgettable evening of live music, dancing and vintage charm! 

Come along to Antlers Bistro at Manor Farm Park & Woodlands in East Leake on Saturday May 10 from 6.30pm to 10pm, for a VE Day Dance featuring the sensational Rose Devine.

Start the night with a complimentary welcome drink before indulging in a selection of canapés - each inspired by a modern twist on the classic ration box. For something more substantial, hot meat and nut roast cobs will be available to purchase throughout the evening.

Tickets are £24.95 per person, with 10% of the proceeds donated to our Mayor's chosen charity SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Book your place online

Dust off your dancing shoes and celebrate in style, this is a night you won’t want to miss!