VE Day 80th Anniversary: A Historic Celebration in London 🎉
Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a momentous day in history, commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945. The UK is paying tribute with grand celebrations, and the skies above London are filled with the stunning spectacle of a flypast.
In the heart of London, festivities kicked off with a military procession featuring over 1,300 personnel, including members of NATO and Ukrainian troops. The procession began at Parliament Square and proceeded towards Buckingham Palace, where actor Timothy Spall delivered Winston Churchill’s iconic VE Day speech. 💬
At 1:45 PM BST, the skies over The Mall and Buckingham Palace were treated to a breathtaking flypast of 24 aircraft, featuring the renowned Red Arrows, iconic Lancaster bombers, and WWII planes. ✈️
The Royal Family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, were also part of the ceremony, appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony, along with veterans and their families. 💖
✈️ Red Arrows Flypast Route for VE Day 2025
The highly anticipated Red Arrows flypast featured a route that spanned several key locations across the UK. Here's a glimpse at the flypast highlights:
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1:05 PM: RAF Waddington
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1:07 PM: West of Martin, Hampshire
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1:09 PM: South of Great Hale
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1:18 PM: Oversea
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1:32 PM: Oversea
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1:46 PM: VCY Woodford
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1:47 PM: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
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1:48 PM: Buckingham Palace
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2:06 PM: Bournemouth 🏖️
The Red Arrows soared across the sky, leaving behind trails of color, a salute to the historic victory and the brave men and women who fought for freedom. 🟥⬜🟦
🗺️ VE Day Celebrations Near You
Across the UK, communities are joining in the VE Day 80th anniversary festivities with street parties, historical exhibitions, and remembrance events.
In London, don't miss:
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A special service at Westminster Abbey on May 8th
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The Tower of London, displaying 30,000 ceramic poppies in the iconic moat 🌺
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War film screenings and exhibitions throughout the city 🎥
These events are a perfect way to honor the heroes of WWII while reflecting on the peace we enjoy today. 🕊️
📺 How to Watch the VE Day Celebrations
If you couldn't make it to London for the live celebrations, don’t worry! You can still catch all the action:
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Watch the flypast, military parade, and royal appearances on Sky News or The Guardian’s online platforms. 📡
💬 Wrap-Up: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the UK reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who secured peace in Europe. The flypast, alongside the vibrant events happening in London and beyond, offers us a chance to pause and remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. 🙏
Whether you're enjoying the VE Day parade, watching the Red Arrows, or participating in local celebrations, today is a day to honor history and the heroes who shaped our future.
