VE Day 2020: When is it and how will lockdown impact this year's celebrations?

Kit Heren7 May 2020

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marked the end of the Second World War in Europe, when Germany surrendered to the Allied armies.

Many European countries - including the UK - usually celebrate the day with commemorative events and military parades.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Celebrations would have been even larger than usual but for the coronavirus lockdown and a ban on gatherings of any kind.

Here we look at VE Day, its history and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected celebrations in the UK.

Huge crowds gather at Trafalgar Square celebrate VE (Victory in Europe) Day in London, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe
PA

When is VE Day?

The UK celebrates VE Day on May 8, when Germany, led by the Nazi Party, unconditionally surrendered to the Allied forces. The Allies were made up of the Soviet Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, among several other countries.

Russia and other former Soviet countries celebrate Victory Day a day later on May 9.

This is because the surrender was finally agreed late in the evening in Western Europe, which made it early morning the next day in Moscow time.

VE (Victory in Europe) Day celebrations in the East End of London, marking the end of the war in Europe
PA

Why has the May Day bank holiday changed dates this year?

The May 8 VE Day celebrations have been given their own bank holiday this year, as the 75th anniversary is considered particularly significant.

This has replaced the May Day bank holiday - which usually falls on the first Monday of the month.

The Spring bank holiday remains on May 25.

Queen Elizabeth serving in the war 
PA

What is the history of VE Day?

The original VE Day on 1945 was declared a national holiday late the night before, via a BBC radio broadcast.

The day saw huge celebrations and gatherings on the streets all across the country.

Crowds flocking to landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace - which was damaged in the war - where King George VI, his wife Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Winston Churchill greeted them from the balcony.

Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen) and her sister Princess Margaret joined the crowds in front of the palace in the evening.

The Queen, who was 19 at the time, later described VE Day as a "wonderful sunburst of glory" after the "black and gloomy" years of war.

St Paul's Cathedral held ten back-to-back services to give thanks for peace.

Commemorating VE Day, VJ Day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki

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But many people did not celebrate, according to English Heritage.

More than 400,000 people from Britain and its colonies had died, and for some the celebrations were upsetting. Many were still waiting for friends and relatives to come home.

And the war was not completely over, although fighting in Europe had finished.

Japan did not surrender until August 15 - more than three months later - after the US dropped two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in huge loss of life.

King George VI and the Queen Mother standing amid the bomb damage at Buckingham Palace
PA

How will coronavirus lockdown impact this year's celebrations?

The Queen will lead celebrations with a televised speech this year.

Many other events were organised to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day this year, including street parties and a mass toast to the people who fought in the war on the cliffs at Dover.

But VE Day 75, which was coordinating celebrations, has told events organisers to cancel their plans in line with Government orders for the coronavirus lockdown.

But all is not lost. The toast will go ahead but people will take part from home.

Pipers, who play the traditional "Reveille" to commemorate those who died in the war, are still allowed to play, as long as they keep to social distancing rules.

And special bunting is available to download from the BBC's website.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced the new plans: "We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the greatest generation that served in combat and on the home front during the Second World War.

"Whilst we now need to celebrate VE 75 in our homes and on our doorsteps, rather than in parades and street parties, I know the nation will come together to mark this historic occasion.

"In these difficult times, acts of remembrance are even more poignant and I am sure that millions will want to join me to remember and give thanks to those who gave so much to secure peace, freedom and prosperity in Europe."