Southampton played a unique role in the effort to defend the United Kingdom's freedom and the city recognises that many of Southampton's residents are proud of their city's struggle to defend their future. Thursday 8th May will mark 80 years since the end of hostility in Europe during the Second World War.
Southampton, as the home of The Spitfire and a key staging point for the invasion of Europe, played a pivotal role in bringing about Victory in Europe (VE Day). It was also heavily targeted by the Luftwaffe in bombing raids that took a devastating toll on the city and its residents, destroying thousands of homes and landmarks, including parts of the Civic Centre.
The city will be remembering the sacrifices that finally brought peace to Europe in 1945. Southampton City Council is working in partnership with local armed forces veterans, the Royal British Legion, GO! Southampton and other local organisations and businesses to organise events in May and August.
VE Day or Victory in Europe Day, marked the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two.
On 8th May 1945 at 3pm, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before.
Many people were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped, celebrating with street parties across the country.
VE Day was also a moment of sadness and reflection, as millions of people had lost their lives or loved ones in the conflict with many continuing to fight in other battles or still prisoners of war abroad. Even though VE Day marked victory for Europe over Germany, it did not mark the end of World War Two.
This special 80th anniversary allows us to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw the nation through this dark and terrifying period.
On 8 May 1945, when Germany surrendered, spontaneous street parties broke out across Southampton. Crowds also gathered at the Civic Centre to celebrate, even as the port continued to support the final stages of the war.
Street parties have been a key part of our British history as early as 1919, organised by residents to lift spirits during times of hardships and strengthen ties within communities.
The people of Southampton are invited to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May 2025 by organising street parties in their communities between Wednesday 30th April and Wednesday 21st May 2025.
The usual road closure fees will be waived for residential street parties, and applications should be submitted by Sunday 30th March. Download your VE Day Community Street Closure Form here. Applications to be submitted to southamptontma@balfourbeatty.com More information can be found here.
The Together Coalition’s VE Day 80 webpage details plans for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in 2025. While VE Day falls on 8 May, the bank holiday on Monday, 5 May, has been set aside for nationwide community celebrations.
The coalition is encouraging participation in the Great British Food Festival, which can take many forms—from barbecues and curry nights to street parties and Big Lunches.
Schools across the UK are also invited to take part in the VE Day 80 Schools Challenge, helping students learn about the significance of VE Day ahead of the anniversary. More details available here https://together.org.uk/ve80/
Also view the government's interactive VEVJ Day 80 website which offers key information and resources, including ways to get involved in the commemorations.
Sunday 4th May | O2 Guildhall | 7.30pm
The Royal British Legion are delighted to be hosting the Hampshire VE 80 Concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton on Sunday the 4th of May at 7.30pm.
Working with sponsors Associated British Ports (ABP) with music performed by the Royal Marines Association Band and Muriele French Singer, the evening will be a rousing performance to commemorate this time in history when everyone came together to celebrate the end of World War II, 8o years ago. Find out more here and buy your tickets.
Thursday 8th May | Civic Centre Steps | 9am
This tribute acknowledges the valiant Allied forces who initiated Operation Overlord by storming the beaches of Normandy, a pivotal act that ultimately led to the liberation of Paris.
Their bravery and sacrifice will be remembered in this commemoration.
The event will commence once the Civic Centre Clock Tower bells have rung and any ships in port sound their horns at 9am on Thursday 8th May.
The Southampton’s Town Crier will honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special Proclamation on the Civic Centre steps.
After the Proclamation, the VE Day 80 Flag will be raised by The Lord Mayor of Southampton.
All welcome to attend.
Thursday 8th May | Civic Centre
Applications are now open for the Lord Mayor’s VE Day 80 Tea Party. This is a special gathering to honour the occasion which will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 8th May in the Lord Mayor's parlour, Civic Centre.
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Dave Shields said: “Southampton played a key role in World War II, from building the Spitfire to supporting the D-Day landings. These anniversaries allow us to remember our city’s resilience, honour those who fought for our freedom, and bring the community together. I encourage our people to take part and ensure these stories are passed on to future generations. I’m really looking forward to hosting the tea party and celebrating with the city.”
Applications must be received by Friday 11 April. Spaces are limited, with priority given to World War II veterans, other veterans, and Southampton City Council residents who have memorabilia or photos of the city during World War II or VE Day to share on the day.
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 25 April. If oversubscribed, names will be chosen at random.. Apply here to attend The Lord Mayor's VE Day 80 Tea Party.
Thursday 8th May | Holyrood Church, High Street | 8.30pm
"Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, love and peace.”
On the evening of Thursday, 8th May, as part of a national initiative, over one thousand beacons will illuminate the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. These flames will symbolise the "light of peace" that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
The Southampton Beacon Lighting will take place at the open remains of Holyrood Church. Destroyed during the Blitz in November 1940, the church has a significant connection to World War II and the seafarers of Southampton. The Beacon lighting offers a valuable opportunity for the community to reflect on the city’s history and remember those who lost their lives in the war.
This free event will commence at 8.30pm with music from the City of Southampton Albion Band. The lighting of the Beacon will be conducted by the Lord Mayor of Southampton at approximately 9pm. There will be some limited seating available reserved for those who are unable to stand for long periods of time. There will be additional viewing areas outside the walls to the side of the church. All welcome to attend.
Saturday 10th May | St Michael's Square | 11am
On Saturday 10th May at 11am, join historian Andy Skinner for a special walk around the old town exploring different aspects of the Second World War, from the escape at Dunkirk, the terrifying Blitz of 1940, the events of D-Day and the celebrations of 8th May, 1945.
This walk will include visits to medieval vaults that were used as air-raid shelters during the war.
Please meet 10 minutes before the tour start time in St Michael’s Square. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.
Sunday 11th May | Carlton Place | 12noon - 5pm
The Southampton VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party is organised by the Bedford and Carlton Place Community with support from Southampton City Council and GO! Southampton.
This will take place at Carlton Place on Sunday 11th May 12noon - 5pm.
We are looking for local businesses, performers, community groups, and volunteers to help make this a memorable celebration.
This free event will be a fitting tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Southampton. If you would like to get involved please email events@southampton.gov.uk.
Find out more about this event from the Southampton VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party Facebook page
Running from May - August 2025, SeaCity Museum will showcase three large display panels in the museum café, an area freely available to everyone. The panels will cover: ‘Local impact of the Second World War’, ‘The end of the war in Europe’ and ‘The end of the war in the Far East’.
Additionally, photographs from the museum and archive collections as well as models loaned by a local model maker who specialises in matchstick models will be on display, including a model of Queen Mary, which was used as a troop carrier during the Second World War.
Image: Southampton Victory Parade (Palmerston Park to Civic Centre), held on Sunday 13 May 1945. Women’s Voluntary Services.
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day this year, knitters are invited to help create bunting in red, white, or navy blue using the provided knitting pattern. This project is a wonderful way to honour the bravery and resilience of those who lived through the war and to unite our communities in a shared act of remembrance and creativity.
Pennants can be plain or decorated: Feel free to decorate your pennant with unique touches, using techniques such as embroidery and applique to reflect Southampton's story during World War II. Ideas include planes, ships, victory symbols, iconic landmarks, or designs honouring a relative who experienced life in Southampton during the war.
Where to take your completed pennant: Once finished, you can drop off your pennants at any Southampton City Library. Please submit your pennants by Friday 2nd May.
If you need a printed pattern: You can pick up a pattern at Bitterne, Central, Lordshill, Portswood, Shirley or Woolston Libraries. For more information go to www.southampton.gov.uk/bunting
Alongside community celebrations, the city will host a programme of public events to honour Southampton’s pivotal role in World War Two, including
When travelling to events, please utilise city centre parking or local public transport options can be found on the My Journey Southampton website.
For many, VE Day was bittersweet—while the war in Europe had ended, many local servicemen and women were still fighting in the Pacific.
Saturday 15th August 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, marking the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. A time for the nation to remember the impact that leaving, missing and returning home had on service men and women and their loved ones.
Details of the activities taking place for VJ Day will be announced soon.
Information about VJ Day
VJ Day stands for Victory Over Japan Day and it marks the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in World War Two, which in effect, brought the war to an end. In the UK and the US, VJ Day is celebrated on different dates.
The initial announcement of Japan’s surrender was made on 15 August 1945, which is why the UK marks VJ Day on 15 August each year.
However, the surrender documents were officially signed on the USS Missouri battleship on 2 September 1945, which is why America celebrates on 2 September instead. In Japan, the day is known as the “memorial day for the end of the war”, and is observed on 15 August.
How is VJ Day linked to VE Day?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, and it refers to the surrender of Nazi Germany on 8 May 1945, after nearly six years of war. Despite the battle against the Nazis coming to an end, Japan stood firm and war continued to rage on in the Pacific where Japan, a key German ally, fought off the advancing US army. The Japan surrender didn’t come until after the German surrender, and this marked the end of World War Two entirely, which is why there’s a separate day of remembrance and celebration.
VJ Day and Southampton
The men and women of Southampton had sacrificed much during the war, over 3,000 homes in the town were destroyed or had to be demolished due to enemy bombing raids, and over 630 people paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Southampton Blitz.
Thousands of local men from the town fought in the theatres of war in Europe and the Far East, and the town’s docks played a vital role in the events surrounding D-Day in June 1944. 3 and a half million military personnel passed through the port in the weeks and months after D-Day.
Even at the war’s end, many soldiers had still not returned, or were held in Prisoner of War camps in the Far East, their families waiting anxiously for their return. For 22,000 people returning from prisoner of war camps in 1945 their first smell, touch and welcome on home soil was here in Southampton.
Peace had come at a great price and the War had left its indelible mark on Southampton and its people. Still today, the resonances of the history of the town, in the Second World War, before and since can be seen and felt.
On 18th November 1945 the ‘Queen Mary’ brought 3,500 troops back to Southampton and the same day the former Italian hospital ship, the ‘Principessa Giovanna’ brought another c. 400.
Find your local VJ Memorial
Residents are encouraged to visit the World War Two memorials in Southampton.
There is a plaque at Town Quay Park which commemorates the repatriation of men, women and children who survived Far East Captivity. It was unveiled on the 27 October 2013.
On the roundabout at Grosvenor Square there is a Burma Memorial which was unveiled on the 11 October 1998 and attended by Countess Mountbatten of Burma.
A memorial stone for the Southampton Far East Prisoners of War can be seen at Holy Saviour Churchyard, Bursledon Rd, Bitterne. It was dedicated on 15 August 2003 and attended by Veterans and former Prisoners of War including Bert Warne, 95, who survived four years in captivity and worked on the Death Railway.
At the Southampton Cenotaph eleven new names, six of which are from World War Two, will be added to the glass Memorial Wall at the Cenotaph ready for VJ Day.
The Government's VE/VJ website provides a range of resources, downloaded able digital materials and additional information. You can view the site here.
View the national VE Day 80 website here.
View the Royal British Legion website for VE and VJ Day 80 here.
With thanks to Southampton Archives for some of the images featured.
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