Ross Kemp Joins 80th Anniversary VE Day Celebrations: A Last Chance to Honour Veterans.
As Britain gears up to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May, the country is being urged to join in the festivities and "thank" the surviving veterans. The 8th of May marks the end of World War II in Europe, a day when the Allies received the surrender of Nazi Germany, and it remains a pivotal moment in history.
103 Squadron Lancaster III ND861PM-H Crew
Ross Kemp Reflects on the Importance of VE Day
To help kick off the celebrations, EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, 60, joined Olympic gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes for a visit to Hermitage Primary School in Tower Hamlets, east London. Together, they spent time talking about the significance of VE Day and sharing a meal with the students. During the visit, Ross Kemp shared his thoughts on why the anniversary is so important.
The actor said, “This anniversary represents a significant point in our history – a time when Britain played a crucial role in overcoming fascism and safeguarding our democracy. Taking part is an opportunity for us all to honour those who sacrificed so much, reconnect with our neighbours and communities, and remember the values that underpinned the victory. They matter as much today as they did then. This might be our last chance to thank the surviving veterans – so we should celebrate them in style.”
Dame Kelly Holmes: A Time to Reflect and Unite
Dame Kelly Holmes also took a moment to reflect on the importance of this special day. She added, “Moments like this matter, they bring us together as a country and remind us of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. They also give us an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the victory from the UK and across the Commonwealth.”
With these powerful messages, both Ross and Dame Kelly are encouraging Britons to come together and celebrate the sacrifices of the past in a meaningful way.
Dame Kelly Holmes and Ross Kemp (@rosskemptv Instagram)
Community Celebrations and Events
This year, the Together Coalition—a group of businesses and individuals—will spearhead the nationwide celebrations, aiming to bring the community together. They’re organizing the Great British Food Festival on May 5th, where food, fun, and festivities will be enjoyed across the country.
On Bank Holiday Monday, May 8th, street parties and picnics will take place nationwide to honor the victory and commemorate the spirit of unity that followed Germany’s surrender. 80 years ago, thousands poured into the streets, celebrating the end of a devastating war as Sir Winston Churchill announced Germany's unconditional surrender.
The VE Day Schools Challenge
In addition to the festivities, the VE Day Schools Challenge will give students the chance to explore the significance of this anniversary. The Together Coalition and the Royal British Legion have invited schools to participate in the challenge, helping to educate the younger generation about the importance of VE Day and its relevance today.
As we approach this historic milestone, Ross Kemp’s message resonates louder than ever: “This might be our last chance to thank the surviving veterans,” and now is the time to make sure their contributions are celebrated in style. So, whether through community events, school projects, or simply taking a moment to reflect, Britons are encouraged to come together this May and honour the values that shaped a better future for all.
VE Day 80: A Shared Moment of Celebration – 8th May 2025
As the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaches on May 8, 2025, the nation is preparing to commemorate the historic end of World War II in Europe. This milestone marks the final surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, and the day will be observed with a series of special events, bringing people together in remembrance and celebration of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Building on the success of D-Day 80 in 2024, where more than 1,000 beacons and 500 lamp lights of peace were lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and UK Overseas Territories, the VE Day 80 celebrations aim to unite communities once again. The lighting of beacons and lamp lights of peace will be a central moment of this shared commemoration, set for 9:30 pm on May 8, 2025.
In addition to the lighting of beacons, communities are encouraged to raise a unique VE Day flag at 9 am, marking the start of the day’s celebrations. The day will be filled with street parties, garden picnics, and gatherings in town halls, churches, pubs, and other locations across the United Kingdom and its territories. These festivities aim to celebrate the victory, honor those who fought, and connect people in a moment of shared reflection and joy.
Bruno Peek CVO OBEOPR
Bruno Peek CVO OBEOPR, the Pageantmaster for VE Day 80, has outlined the celebrations as an opportunity for local councils and communities to come together. He encourages everyone to take part in this historic event, creating a day of unity, remembrance, and celebration of peace that echoes the spirit of 1945.
Whether it’s a small gathering in a local pub or a grand community event, VE Day 80 will provide a chance to honor the past, celebrate peace, and acknowledge the incredible courage and sacrifice that led to the end of the war in Europe.
