VE Day 80
On 8 May 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it.
VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
Public events in Milton Keynes
We’ll be publishing details of VE Day 80 public events and activities in MK on this page. If you’d like your event to be included, please email john.zammit@milton-keynes.gov.uk with the following information:
- Date
- Time to/from
- Location
- Open to the public yes/no
- Cost to enter yes/no
- Activities
- Please include any web links
Thursday 8 May 2025
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Thursday 8 May at 8.00 pm - VE Day 80 - Everyone is invited to join the MK Rose Trust and Parks Trust celebration at the Milton Keynes Rose to enjoy music, dancing and singing, plus refreshments before processing to the Light Pyramid.
At 9.30pm, the beacon will be lit along with over a thousand other Beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace to shine throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The flames and light will represent the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
To find out more about the event, visit theparkstrust.com/VE80
- Thursday 8 May at 7.00 pm - 10pm - VE Day 80 at Milton Keynes Museum
Live music from 7:30pm, including the Wolverton Town Band and vintage vocalist Lily Taylor Ward. There will be a Young People parade from the Museum’s New Gallery, including the Army Cadet Force, TS Whaddon Sea Marines, Wolverton Scouts and Brownies, New Bradwell Guides.
There will also be readings and tributes delivered by delegates, a stand for the The Royal British Legion and the lighting of the beacon at 9:30pm.
The event is open to the public and there is no cost to enter. Beer tent available and Tasty Bites food will also be on site.
To find out more about the event, visit: VE Day 80 | Facebook and VE Day 80 | Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council
Community Celebrations
You might want to hold a street party or picnic with family, friends and neighbours and we would encourage you to make the most of the Bank Holiday before VE Day 80 on Monday 5 May 2025.
If you are organising a street party and need a road to be closed, please contact streetworks@milton-keynes.gov.uk. It’s important roads are closed formally and emergency services and transport operators are given ample notice for safety reasons. In celebration of VE Day 80, we will be as supportive as possible to residents and groups holding street parties and will waive our usual costs for closures.
You will need to send us any copies of letters issued to local residents and businesses.
Access must be maintained for emergency vehicles at all times. Access to and from people’s properties must also be allowed at all times so you will need to factor that into your plans.
Resources
For more information on VE Day, resources and event ideas please visit – VE Day 80 and VE Day/VJ Day.