The procession to mark the VE Day anniversary will feature more than 1,300 people including members of the Armed Forces as they march to Buckingham Palace from Parliament Square
The King and Queen will join Second World War veterans to watch a Bank Holiday procession and fly-past featuring the Red Arrows to mark 80 years since VE Day.
The public are being invited to line the Mall for the May 5 event, which will see over 1,300 people including Armed Forces members marching to Buckingham Palace from Parliament Square. Big Ben striking midday will mark the beginning, with extracts from Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech recited by an actor. Normandy veteran Alan Kennett, 100, will then be passed a Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace by a young person.
The King and Queen are set to join World War Two veterans, as well as PM Keir Starmer, to watch proceedings from a specially built platform on the Queen Victoria Memorial. Other Royals will watch too, including Prince William and Kate.
On the same day, the King and Queen will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans and members of the Second World War generation. Mr Kennett, who travelled to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, said: “It is a huge honour to be part of the military procession to start the VE80 commemorations.
“I remember Battle of Britain pilot Johnnie Johnson bursting in and shouting ‘the war is over’. A big party soon followed, filled with lots of drinking and celebrating the news. The 80th anniversary of VE Day brings back so many memories, and it will be such a privilege to be there with everyone.”
The torch to be handed to Mr Kennett is said by the government to be “an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals” – acting “as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations”. Thousands of members of the public are expected to view the military procession along the Mall.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will lead the procession. A group featuring members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force will follow. And cadets from all three services, as well as other uniformed youth groups, will take part.
The procession will go from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall before finishing at Buckingham Palace. The fly-past will feature a Voyager transport aircraft, a P8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft, as well as Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets.
Second World War-era aircraft will also take part and the flypast is said to be culminating “with the iconic red, white, and blue smoke of the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows”. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “VE Day 80 is a chance for us to come together and celebrate our veterans and ensure their legacy of peace is passed on to future generations.
“Whether by watching on TV or having a street party with neighbours, everyone can take part. This is one of the last chances we have to say thank you to this generation of heroes and it is right that we do just that.”
Defence Secretary John Healey added: “As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, I look forward to joining our veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and young people to remember the remarkable generation who defended the freedoms we enjoy today. Our whole nation is invited to join together to reflect on the sacrifices of all those who fought for peace and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.”
And Director General of the Royal British Legion Mark Atkinson said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a special moment for the country and the Royal British Legion is incredibly proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations. It’s important we remember those who went to war, who fought for the freedom of not just Europe but everywhere, and those who risked their lives and never made it back.”
On May 8, which will be 80 years to the day since the end of World War Two in Europe, a service will take place at Westminster Abbey. A concert will be held in the evening on Horse Guards Parade – with stars telling the story of the end of the war. On May 6, the Queen will visit the Tower of London to view a new display of ceramic poppies.
