This year the United Kingdom will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It's when the World War II allies accepted Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces, ending the war, on 8 May 1945.
To mark the occasion we have a week long series of events to get involved in, including a free family fun day in Ravenscourt Park, Saturday 10 May.
VE Day street parties
Monday 5 May
Monday 5 May has been officially dedicated to community celebrations!
Eighty years ago, street parties were how the nation celebrated the end of the war. This year residents are recreating the celebrations with their neighbours once again, closing their streets to host a Street Party or Big Lunch. Want to host your own? Fill in our easy form here.
Author talk with Colin Douglas: The Caribbean's role in World War Two victory
Wednesday 7 May, 6-7pm, Shepherds Bush Library
The Caribbean made a pivotal contribution to the Allied victory and paid a heavy price in terms of U-boat attacks, rationing and economic hardship. Yet the region's role in the Second World War and the war's impact on the region, have been widely ignored. This engaging talk will set out the full story, presented by Colin Douglas, the author of The Caribbean and the Second World War.
Book your free place by emailing ShepherdsBushLibrary@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3842.
VE Day beacon lighting
Thursday 8 May, 9-9.45pm, Lyric Square
On Thursday 8 May we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and 80 years of peace since the end of World War Two in Europe.
VE Day is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.
At 9.30pm beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will shine across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and UK Overseas Territories – symbolising the enduring strength of our communities.
Together, we honour the past and celebrate a future built on unity, hope, and peace.
VE Day 80 years on
Saturday 10 May, 11am-5pm, Ravenscourt Park
Join us for our flagship VE Day event in Ravenscourt Park.
Learn about your local history in our variety of historian and archive stalls, or with our Home Front reenactors who will bring to life what those living in the borough would have experienced 80 years ago. Dress up in period clothing at our on-site dress up tent – or come in your own and enter our Best Dressed competition – and take a photo alongside our tanks and armoured vehicles.
Our Best Dressed competition has three categories:
- Best Dressed under 16s
- Best Dressed over 16s
- Best Dressed pet.
The winners for each category will be chosen by Sir Winston Churchill himself and they shall win a range of prizes. If you would like to participate please be at the stage for 2:45pm, with judging to start from 3pm.
Alongside our host of family activities, the stage also boasts a packed timetable including:
- military marching band performance
- a salute to the 1940s including performances by Vera Lang, Frank Sinatra, The Andrew Sisters, and George Formby impersonators
- jive dance class
- Bunny Nightingale
- jazz band performance
- meet the Churchills.
Round it all off with a bite to eat at our street food zone run by Urban Food Fest, providing a variety of cuisines and a bar, or bring your own picnic. Food stalls include:
- Quality Fish & Chips
- The Caribbean Pelican
- Fantastic Catering
- Grillz on Wheelz
- Berlin Doner
- Honest Food Burgers
- Philly Philly
- Crepe Masters
- Quality Coffee
- Marcello Ice Cream.
Askew village walk – Iya London Walks
Sunday 11 May, 10.45am-12.15pm, meet at 128 Askew Road
In the week observing the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, this walk explores the impact of two world wars on Askew Village.
As well as marking the lives lost and property destroyed by war, the walk celebrates new assets created for the community after 1945.
You'll see the remarkable interior of St. Bobola, a Polish church containing stained glass and other memorials to Polish forces who fought alongside the Allies during World War Two.
You'll also see Greenside School, designed by the famous modernist architect Erno Goldfinger.
Booking is essential – book your space on Eventbrite.
Share your family's memories
When the UK Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, broke news of VE Day via radio announcement people celebrated in their streets and homes across the UK – including right here in H&F.
If your family, friends or neighbours got involved on the day, served in the war or lived in H&F during this period, we'd love to hear their stories. Please share your photos and stories with us so we can include them in our VE Day exhibition. Email us at events@lbhf.gov.uk
Sponsor our party
We're also looking for sponsors for our 80th VE Day celebration.
If you'd like to find out more about how you can support and our range of sponsorship packages, please visit our VE Day sponsorship page.