VE Day 80
VE Day Local Events - Thursday 8 May 2025
On Thursday 8 May 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day - a moment to come together as a community and pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and spirit of the Second World War generation across the UK and Commonwealth.
To commemorate this significant day, beacon lighting ceremonies will take place across the borough and throughout the nation, symbolising peace and unity. Additional local events are also planned to reflect, remember, and celebrate this important chapter in our history.
Event: Flag Raising
Location: Basildon Centre, St Martin's Square
Date: 8 May
Time: 9am
Event: Beacon Light Ceremony
Location: Gloucester Park
Date: 8 May
Time: 9pm - 9.30pm
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Sun Corner
Date: 8 May
Time: 8.30pm - 9.30pm
Event: VE Day Commemoration
Location: South Green Memorial Hall, Southend Rd, Billericay CM11 2PR
Date: Monday 5 May
Time: 10:30am to 2:30pm
For more information: Event info
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Westlake Park
Date: 8 May
Time: 7pm
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Pound Lane
Date: 8 May
Time: 8.30pm - 10pm
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Wat Tyler Country Park
Date: 8 May
Time: 8pm - 9.30pm
Event: Basildon Borough Heritage Society Display of historical artifacts in memory of World War Two
Location: The Green Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park
Dates: 3 May to 10 May
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Wash Road
Date: 8 May
Time: 7.30pm - 10pm
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Swanmead
Date: 8 May
Time: 8.45pm - 9.30pm
Event: Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Location: Wickford Memorial Park
Date: 8 May
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Event: VE Day Act of Remembrance
Location: St Catherines Church, 120 Southend Road, Wickford, SS11 8EB
Date: 8 May
Time: 12 noon
For more information see: Event info
Event: VE Day 80 afternoon tea
Location: The Wick Community Centre
Date: Friday 9 May
Time: 1pm - 4pm
For more information see: Event info
To discover other events that you can attend please click here: more events
Event: Military procession and Fypast
Location: Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET
Date: 5 May
For more information see: Event info
Event: The Tower Remembers
Location: Tower of London
Date: 6 May to 11 November
For more information see: Event info
Event: Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert
Location: Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster
Date: 7 May
Time: 7:30pm to 9pm
For more information and to purchase tickets see: Event info
Event: Westminster Abbey: service to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
Location: Live on the BBC
Date: 8 May
Time: 12 noon