Where To Mark VE Day In London

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 106 months ago
Where To Mark VE Day In London

Photo: Martin Carey

This Friday, 8 May, marks the 70th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day — when Nazi Germany surrendered, ending World War Two in Europe. There's a national two minute silence at 2pm, but what else is going on around London to note the occasion?

Hits From The Blitz, Enfield

Sing along to famous wartime tunes at the Dugdale Centre in Enfield, brought to life by the singers and multi instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band. £13, prebook, 6 May, 2.30pm

Ministry of Defence

The MoD has several events going on over three days. On 8 May there's a Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph at 3pm. A beacon will be lit at the Tower of London as part of a simultaneous nationwide event at 9:32pm. On 9 May, expect to hear peals and peals of church bells; there's also a concert at Horse Guards Parade. 10 May sees a private Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, followed by a Red Arrows flypast. More information on these events here.

Swing Party, Genesis Cinema

Watch a preview screening of The Royal Night Out at Genesis Cinema in Mile End. The film is about Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret joining in the VE Day celebrations with the public in 1945. After the film, join in with Lindy Hop dancing featuring the London Swing Dance Society. £10, prebook, 8 May, 7pm

Days Of Hope, Rich Mix

Rich Mix hosts a night to celebrate the East End of ’45, surviving the blitz, and to reflect on the outcome of this week's General Election. Comedian Josie Long kicks things off. Also on the line-up are poet Michael Rosen, spoken word artist Niall McDevitt. The main event is a conversation on the politics of hope 1945-2015 featuring writer and broadcaster Paul Mason, Guardian columnist and campaigner Owen Jones, WW2 veteran Harry Leslie Smith and co-founder of Scotland's Radical Independence Campaign Cat Boyd. £10, prebook, 9 May, 7pm

Finchley Celebration

Stephens House & Gardens in Finchley aims to recreate the events of 70 years ago when 10,000 people descended on the area to celebrate. The English Jazz Orchestra and Three Belles provide live music, plus there are stalls and maypole dancing. Picnics welcome and vintage dress encouraged. Free, 10 May, 12pm-5pm

VE Day at 70, Royal Albert Hall

The famous concert hall has a special VE Day at 70 concert, featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The event is hosted by John Suchet and Myleene Klass with special guest performances from Katherine Jenkins, Rebecca Ferguson and Wynne Evans, as well as an appearance from members of Sir Winston Churchill's family. Various prices, prebook, 10 May, 7.30pm

Severndroog Castle

Severndroog Castle, which was featured on Londonist recently, holds its own VE Day family celebrations, funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Events going on include crafts and stories for children, face painting, swing dancing, a barbecue at the Castle Wood Tea Rooms and more. More information here. 10 May, 10.30am-5pm

For other events going on in London and around the country to commemorate VE Day, take a look at this VE Day event map. Know of another VE Day event going on? Let us know in the comments below.

Last Updated 06 May 2015