VE Day 80th Anniversary
About the VE Day 80th Anniversary
2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country.
The Second World War touched every aspect of life and had a devastating impact on those who experienced it, and for the generations after. From the sailors, soldiers and aviators who fought, to children who were evacuated, and all those who stepped into essential roles on the home front, we owe our freedoms of today to the Second World War generation who 80 years ago paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving generations lasting peace.
It will be a time for us to come together to listen to their stories and reflect on their values that ensured the Allied victory - service and selflessness across our nation.
Preparing to celebrate
Monday 5th May 2025:
- Encouraging community get togethers and street parties to take place
Thursday 8th May 2025:
- VE Day flag raising and proclamation reading
- Beacon and lamp lights of peace
Events and plans for Adur and Worthing
Adur & Worthing Councils are working to create a programme of civic and community celebrations.
Sunday 4th May 2025:
- Worthing Town centre is hosting a Street Market Party to commemorate VE Day in Worthing. A day of remembrance, community, and fun. The event will run from 11am to 4pm.
Thursday 8th May 2025:
- On the morning of Thursday 8th May at Worthing Town Hall and the Shoreham Centre, a service will be held at 9am where the VE Day flag will be raised and a proclamation will be read.
- Beacons will be lit at 9:30pm in both Adur and Worthing:
- Lancing beacon: see Lancing Parish Council events (below).
- Worthing beacon: the event starts at 8:30pm, as we gather around the beacon, the Salvation Army Band will be playing. The Veterans and Military Cadet Units will march along the promenade from Steyne Gardens to join us at the beacon. We will hear from Worthing's Mayor and a VE Day Tribute will be read out by the Deputy Mayor. After lighting the beacon at 9:30pm, join us in singing the VE Day song - "I vow to thee, my country" and the National Anthem as we close our event.
- Lancing Parish Council events, Thursday 8th May:
- 9am: Flag raising & VE Day 80 proclamation: Join us in front of Lancing Parish Hall where the village crier will deliver the official VE Day 80 proclamation marking the official start of the day's commemorations.
- 5pm to 10pm: Join Lancing Parish Council for a shared evening of celebration on Lancing Beach Green as we mark the Historic 80th anniversary of VE Day! We are putting on evening of entertainment to bring together residents to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of the Second World War in Europe. Event schedule:
- 5pm: The festivities begin with a parade from the bandstand to the beacon, featuring local uniformed groups.
- 5pm to 9:30pm: Enjoy live performances by talented artists, including: Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Sarah Simmonds, Lancing Brass Band, Dean Ager and Matthew English.
- 9:30pm: The village crier will deliver the official proclamation, followed by the ceremonial raising of the flag, and the lighting of the beacon.
- Additional attractions: Delicious food stalls, craft stalls, balloon modelling & face painting and fun children's rides.
- We invite everyone to wear red, white and blue to celebrate our community spirit.
- Gather your friends and family for an evening to remember - we look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday 10th May 2025:
- Southwick Green Royal British Legion VE Day celebration will take place on Saturday 10th May at Southwick Square from 11am to 2pm. Starting with a short Thanksgiving Service at 11am, and followed by live music and songs from the 40s, 50s, and 60s performed by Angel Delights.
- "Tea on the Green" on Southwick Green - a free community event to commemorate VE Day, inviting local residents to enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors. Attendees will be encouraged to bring their own picnics and relax while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. The event will run from 12 noon to 5pm.
Sunday 11th May 2025:
- The Worthing Veterans plan to hold a VE Day Commemoration Parade on Sunday 11th May 10:50am to 11:15am around the Worthing War Memorial. The Mayor will be attending, and will be joined by the Military Cadet Units.
For further information on events please see:
Organising a public event or street party to celebrate the VE Day 80th anniversary
If you are thinking of organising a public event please contact:
By 'street party' we mean one that is organised by and for all residents in one or two small streets without external publicity.
Road closure fees for street parties have been waived for 5th May and 8th to 11th May 2025 (but applications had to be submitted to the councils by Wednesday 12th March 2025, permission will not be granted to any applications received after this date).
If you didn't manage to register a road closure with us in time, we are still encouraging people to gather and have a picnic with friends and family either at home or at one of our parks or open spaces.
Central Government has produced this helpful guide on holding street parties:
Funding for community projects
From April to August, Arts Council England will work with arts organisations across the country using culture to tell the stories of our towns, cities and villages during the Second World War.
Funding will also be made available through the National Lottery Community Fund for organisations across England to bid for grants to host community events, activities and exhibitions to help tell the stories of the Second World War at a local level, ensuring the legacy of the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country is not forgotten.
The Big Lunch will develop street party packs to help communities with accessible resources and these will be available from the:
For more information on the different funds available, see:
Page last updated: 28 April 2025