80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan
2025 will commemorate the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day.
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. Friday 15 August 2025 marks Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, when Japan surrendered to officially end the Second World War.
Celebrating VE and VJ Day
Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government are hosting a special concert at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Tuesday 6 May.
Scotland's Salute: VE80 will be a musical extravaganza that will focus on telling the events that led to victory in Europe. Bringing the stories of those who were there to life and culminating in an act of remembrance.
Tickets are available from the Usher Hall website.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary, the UK Government has also planned a programme to echo the celebrations 80 years ago. They will begin on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May 2025). Included will be a series of national and local events and activities.
You can see the full programme on the GOV.UK website.
Community funding
Funding is available through the National Lottery Community Fund for organisations to bid for grants to host community events, activities and exhibitions marking VE and VJ Day and help tell the stories of the Second World War at a local level.
More information, including application guidance and criteria, can be found on the National Lottery Awards for All webpage.
Add your event to the interactive map
If you're hosting an event or activity connected with the 80th commemorations, you can add it to an interactive map on the VE & VJ 80 website so others can get involved and discover what's taking place in their local area.
Updated 1 May 2025
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