Tens of Thousands Mark 80th VE Day Across UK Cities

Communities across the UK commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a variety of events honoring the end of World War II in Europe. In Northern Ireland, tens of thousands attended parades and memorial unveilings, including a special Ulster Military Memorial Arch in Belfast and a large Orange Order parade in Banbridge, with Freedom Beacons lit across the region. Ayrshire hosted ongoing VE Day events featuring a Field of Heroes installation in Ayr and a 1940s-themed celebration in Alloway, alongside a book festival and live performances. In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, beacon lighting ceremonies, memorial services, and community gatherings marked the occasion, with events such as afternoon teas and concerts drawing hundreds. Hereford held city-wide commemorations including proclamations, wreath-laying, and personal remembrances from those with family ties to the war, emphasizing the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Aberdeen residents gathered at Castlegate for prayers, readings, and a solemn ceremony featuring traditional military music and a two-minute silence, underscoring the deep respect for those who served.