VE/VJ Day 80th Anniversary

The 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe) is on Thursday 8 May 2025, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Later in the year, on 15 August, the UK marks Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), the day Japan surrendered in 1945, which ended the Second World War.

The nation is encouraged to come together to pay tribute through a series of national and local events and activities. Find out how you can take part.

Residents across Three Rivers are invited to join in with local events and activities taking place across the district to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day:

Abbots Langley

Abbots Langley Parish Council are holding a number of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day:

• V80 Children’s Drawing & Writing Competition - closes 30 April 2025
• VE Day Exhibition & Beacon Lighting - 8 May 2025
• V80 Picnic in the Park - 12 July 2025
• VJ Day Exhibition & Beacon Lighting - 15 August 2025

The Abbots Langley community are holding a range of events from May to November. View the event guide.

Chorleywood

Chorleywood Parish Council are holding a VE Day 80 celebration event:

• Fish and chip supper, bar, entertainment and lighting of the Beacon - 8 May 2025. Find out more and buy your ticket.

Croxley Green

Croxley Green Parish Council are hosting a VE day celebration picnic:

• VE Day Community Picnic on the Green - 12pm-5pm Saturday 10 May 2025

Rickmansworth

Batchworth Community Council are holding a number of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day:

• Tea and cakes (The Royal British Legion Club, WD3 1BN) - 3pm Thursday 8 May 2025
• Bells ringing at St Marys Church - 6.30pm Thursday 8 May 2025
• Celebration at St Mary's Church Centre - 8.15pm Thursday 8 May 2025
• Lighting of the Beacon (by the war memorial) - 9.30pm Thursday 8 May 2025
• VE Day 40's Swing (at The Royal British Legion Club) - 8pm-11.30pm Saturday 10 May 2025

VE 80 Celebrations

Pubs in England and Wales will be able to stay open for an extra two hours to celebrate the historic 80th anniversary of VE day. This will mean venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to keep their doors open for a further two hours on the day, allowing people to continue their celebrations of the milestone.

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/victory-inn-europe-pubs-to-stay-open-later-as-part-of-ve-80-celebrations