Communities will come together in 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE Day) in May and Victory over Japan (VJ Day) in August.
Events will be held on national and local levels to commemorate the anniversaries and the end of the Second World War.
An interactive website shares information and resources, including ways to get involved in the commemorations. The site also has downloadable street party packs, logos, activity packs for children and an interactive map of events.
If your local community would like to host an event, you can apply for a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. Grants will be available to host community events, activities and exhibitions to help tell the stories of the Second World War at a local level, ensuring the legacy of the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country is not forgotten.
Events
Monday 5 May (May Bank Holiday)
Commemorations include the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a Military procession and a flypast in London, with a ceremony on HMS Belfast to kick off the community celebrations. Street parties, BBQs and community get togethers will be held across the country, with support from The Big Lunch.
Tuesday 6 May
Light up of historic landmarks and the opening of Tower of London poppies exhibition
Wednesday 7 May
A parliamentary choir event will be held.
Thursday 8 May (VE Day)
A service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey, followed by a concert on Horseguards Parade.
Friday 15 August (VJ Day)
The Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the War in the Far East with a service at the National Memorial Arboretum.
For local events in East Cambridgeshire please visit the event management pages on our website for guidance on road closures, risk assessments, food safety, licences and much more.
The government website also has guidance on organising a street party. If you are planning a street party or any other event on the public highway you will need to notify Cambridgeshire County Council and, where applicable, apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to close a road.
If food will be available at your event, the Food Standards Agency has provided guidance on food safety considerations you should bear in mind.
When organising an event, you may want to consider the following points:
Event planning
Consider who is organising the event, identify key responsibilities and whether the relevant agencies, like Fire and Rescue or Environmental Health need to be consulted.
Event location
Many locations require permission to use, so make sure you contact the land or property owner if necessary. If you require a road closure Cambridgeshire County Council website has more detail.
Licences
You may need to apply for a licence for entertainment, the sale of alcohol or loud music. Visit Licences for events East Cambridgeshire District Council for more information.
Risk assessment
If you are planning an event you need to consider any possible risks and the arrangements you need to have in place, such as first aid, lost children points, or any equipment being used.
Fire safety
Consider any safety risks such as BBQs, lighting of beacons and fireworks and the fire hazards.
Temporary structures
Such as seating and marquees will require arrangements to ensure they are used safely, the HSE website has useful guidance.
Alcohol
If you are intending to sell alcohol at your event you will need to notify us and the police and apply for a temporary licence.
Serving food
A one-off street party, or small community event where food is sold or given away is not likely to require formal registration, but organisers will need to ensure basic food hygiene is in place. Before serving any food, strong consideration should be given to attendees with food allergies or intolerances - ensure ingredients are clearly marked, so that people are fully aware.
Insurance
Make sure you have appropriate insurance in place for your event.