VE Day: Stories from the people who were there
We hear what happened on VE Day as we celebrate its 80th anniversary
Last updated 8th May 2025
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we're sharing the stories of those who witnessed it first-hand.
May 8th 1945 was the moment that the war in Europe ended, after six long years.
Coming together to remember that moment are Mabel, Maureen, Mary, Ed, Raymond, Bob and Colin.
They have a combined age of nearly 600, and were either serving personnel, or children when VE Day was first declared.
Listen to their memories below:
Now in 2025, they're some of the millions of people who are paying their respects to those lost in the conflict at services and commemorations across the UK.
We asked them what the day itself was like and how the victory was celebrated:
For many of the veterans, thoughts turn to the many men left behind, the soldiers who didn;t live to see the victory.
Former RAF navigator and Ed Kelly and veteran Bob Baron both told us that they were not heroes, that title should go to those who lost their lives.
Meanwhile, 93-year-old Mary Parkin told us what it was like back in the UK when the announcement was made, describing it as a 'joyous moment' :
Maureen Garden has fond memories of VE Day, saying it was the only night as children they were allowed to stay up and even got to go out of the house barefoot!
Ed Kelly also told us that while there was huge relief at the victory in Europe, the war was not over and many servicemen and women carried on the fight in the East.
Celebrations and memorial services to mark VE Day
There was a service of thanksgiving to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with a number of veterans among the Westminster Abbey congregation featuring the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who read the lesson.
At noon, a two-minute silence was observed across the country and in the ancient place of worship where Charles was crowned King, and he laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior by the Abbey’s great west door on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth.
Some 46 veterans who served their country during the Second World War were guests of honour at a celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Thursday.
101-year-old veteran Arthur spoke to us and reminded us of the sacrifice made by so many who lost their lives during the war.
Later tonight, beacons will be lit across the UK to symbolise the light and hope that emerged from the darkness of war.