Celebrating VE Day
80 years on
80 years since Victory in Europe Day, we are still standing up for those who stood up for us.
Shop & Support Veterans
Purchase from our VE Day range to commemorate the anniversary and support veterans in employment.
Fundraise
Join our VE Day 80 Challenge and run, walk or wheel 80km this May to raise money for those who have served.
Donate
This VE Day honour the past heroes and donate vital funds for veterans in need today.
Bake for Victory!
Celebrate the 80th aniversary of VE Day with your own special edition Bake For Victory Tommy Tea. Host yours in a street party, at home or at work – wherever you would like. Each participant will receive a limited edition fundraising pack, including an exclusive 20% off voucher for Homepride Flour.*
VE Day 80 Garden Party
Garden of Honour, RBLI Village, ME20 7SD
Starts at 6pm and concludes at 9.30pm with the beacon lighting
There is limited parking available around the village, please walk if you can or car share
Join us for a vibrant street party featuring live music from various talented musicians. Enjoy delicious fish and chips, available to purchase or bring your own picnic. The event will culminate with the lighting of our beacon and a rendition of “I Vow to Thee, My Country”. This free community event is open to everyone, so come along and be part of the celebration!
For any enquiries, please contact [email protected]
Supporting Veterans Since 1919
As we honour VE Day 80, RBLI is proud to pay tribute to the incredible bravery and sacrifice of those who served both on the frontlines and home front during World War II. For over 100 years, RBLI has provided vital support to veterans, including those returning from World War II, offering employment, housing, and welfare services to help them rebuild their lives.
The 80th anniversary is not only an opportunity to remember the momentous events of 1945, but also to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by veterans today.
What is VE Day?
On 8th May 2025, the United Kingdom will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a moment of national celebration, reflection, and remembrance. Victory in Europe Day, known simply as VE Day, commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, marking the official end of World War II in Europe.
Following Adolf Hitler’s suicide on 30th April 1945, Germany’s surrender was authorised by his successor, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz. The first Act of Military Surrender was signed in the early hours of 7th May 1945 at SHAEF Headquarters in Reims, with a formal ratification taking place in Berlin on 8th May. Across Britain, spontaneous celebrations erupted as people filled the streets to mark the long-awaited end of war in Europe.
Jubilant crowds gathered in cities, towns, and villages across the UK, waving flags, singing, and dancing in the streets. In London, thousands packed Trafalgar Square and The Mall, cheering as King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Bonfires were lit, church bells rang out, and street parties brought communities together in an outpouring of relief and joy after years of hardship and sacrifice.
“
VE Day itself… It was sunny. Everyone was celebrating and we were all going in and out of everybody’s houses. There were balloons and union flags everywhere. I think they even started street parties. We didn’t have all that many cakes but there were a few. Not a lot as there was still rationing. Everybody was out in the street. Nobody made you go to bed – not on that day.
”
Former Royal Marine George Bradford 89-year-old lives in Royal British Legion Industries’ assisted living accommodation Queen Elizabeth Court and can recount vivid memories of seeing dog fights above Lincolnshire aged just 14, having been evacuated to the county during the Second World War.
Our Armed forces
We help those who have served and families of those who are currently serving through employment support, training and accommodation. For over 100 years we have been proud to support the military community and hope to do so many years into the future.
Our dedicated team can provide support at any stage of a veterans life, from our step-in programme, designed to help veterans who have found themselves in need of support due to homelessness or other circumstances, through to Lifeworks employment support and specialist dementia care from our RBLI Living team.
* T&Cs apply.
