From military parades, to flyovers, to street parties, to dance events, the whole of the UK is gearing up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day.
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on May 8th to mark the moment the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945. Our partners and the Troopr team will be among the thousands of people across the UK encouraged to join in the celebrations.
What is Troopr doing to celebrate?
Content Manager at Troopr and SaluteMyJob, Faye Copp, will be celebrating with her four boys as their school is commemorating VE Day with an old fashioned cake competition (she has tasked her mum with winning that!) and her sons will be singing old wartime songs in the school yard, as well as dressing up as evacuees.
Marketing Manager, Ella Biggs, will be marking the occasion by attending a local community gathering which includes a poignant lowering of the Union Flag in a Sunset Ceremony along with plenty of singing and performances from the Royal Navy Volunteer Band and local schools.
The whole Troopr team will also be observing the national 2 minute silence at 12pm on Thursday 8th May, to mark the 80th anniversary.
What are our Partners & other organisations up to?
- M.A.S.H (The Military Assistance Hub), based in East Yorkshire, will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the true wartime spirit of bringing the community together, just like they did 80 years ago. Their event will be full of classic VE Day songs, bunting, party food, and plenty of celebration! They are providing free places for local veterans and service personnel. To book, contact info@mashuk.org.uk
- Combat Stress is encouraging people to hold a ‘Brew and Bake coffee morning’ to raise money for veterans' mental health and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Sign up now to get your Brew and Bake Fundraising Pack delivered to your door!
- SSAFA: VE Day 80: The Party, presented by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, will be hosted by Dan Walker, Katherine Jenkins OBE and Myleene Klass MBE, with music performed on stage by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and RAF Squadronaires. Find out more here.
- The Royal British Legion has been sharing their fundraising ideas with people asked to commemorate - and raise money for the charity, with walking events, bake sales, and even epic sky jumps!
- Parade and Fly Over: Thousands, including the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family, are set to watch a procession of 1,300 Armed Forces personnel and a Red Arrows flypast.
What is your town doing to celebrate?
Up and down the country, there are events planned through the Bank Holiday weekend and the 8th May. We’ve found this great interactive map where you can search for events in your local area. Whatever you are doing, we’d love to hear from you. Please tag Troopr in your social posts, or send us your photos, and we will proudly share them on the day.