The BBC has announced that it will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with live coverage of the national commemorations as well as special episodes of some of its most popular programmes.
8 May 2025 is the 80th anniversary of VE, or Victory in Europe, Day. On 8 May 1945, the Allies accepted Germany’s surrender in the Second World War, leading to national celebrations of victory after six years of conflict.
This was followed by VJ, or Victory in Japan, Day, marking the final end of the war on 15 August 1945.
Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said: “VE Day stands as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during one of history’s darkest times. At the BBC, we are proud to bring the nation together to pay tribute to the WWII generation and ensure their legacy is remembered.”
When does the BBC’s VE Day 80th anniversary coverage start?
The BBC’s coverage will begin with VE Day 80: The Nation Pays Tribute, which will air on BBC One from 10.30am-2pm on Monday 5 May 2025.
What is the BBC’s VE Day 80th anniversary coverage?
VE Day 80: The Nation Pays Tribute is the BBC’s live coverage of the official commemorations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day in London.
The VE Day procession will begin on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May) in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign.
More than 1,300 members of the armed forces, uniformed services and young people will then march from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace.
They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring members of all three armed forces. The procession will conclude with the Mall being filled with members of the public and a fly past featuring the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.
The BBC’s coverage will be presented live by Sophie Raworth. Paddy O’Connell, whose father served during the Second World War will provide commentary on the event.
This will be followed by VE Day 80: The Nation Remembers, presenting live coverage of the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8 May. The BBC’s coverage will be broadcast on BBC One from 10.45am to 1.30pm.
VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, consisting of live coverage of the memorial day concert at Horse Guards Parade in London, will air on BBC One on Thursday 8 May from 8pm to 10pm.
What other BBC shows are showing VE Day anniversary programmes?
All the BBC’s TV and radio channels will be presenting coverage of the VE Day 80th anniversary. Some of BBC One’s most popular programmes will have special VE Day episodes, including:
- The Antiques Roadshow VE Day Special, filmed at Berlin and Bletchley Park, will air at 8pm on Sunday 4 May.
- The Repair Shop VE Day Special, in which the team will repair four extraordinary items from the Second World War, will air at 8pm on Wednesday 7 May.
- The EastEnders VE Day Special, showing the residents of Walford coming together to mark the anniversary, will air at 7.30pm on Thursday 8 May.
- EastEnders actor and documentary presenter Ross Kemp will discover the story of his great grandfather’s service in the Second World War in his episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, broadcast at 9pm on Tuesday 6 May.
