Guildford to commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day with special events
Guildford to commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day with special events
Guildford Borough Council will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 2025 with a series of commemorative events. The celebrations will bring the community together in remembrance and reflection to honour those who served and sacrificed during World War II.
Flag raising ceremony
At 9am, a special flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Guildhall in Guildford. A VE Day proclamation by the Town Crier will mark the official start of the day’s commemorations. VE80 flags will also be raised at other council sites, including Millmead, Stoke Park, and Guildford Castle.
Church bells
As part of the nationwide celebrations, church bells will ring out across the borough at 6.30pm, in a symbolic act of remembrance and unity.
Evening celebration
From 8pm, members of the public are invited to join VIP guests for an evening of music, speeches and refreshments in Stoke Park.
At 9:30pm, we’ll light a beacon with Flames of Peace, accompanied by a short ceremony and performance of the traditional hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country”.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane says:
“This shared moment of celebration and reflection will remind us of the 80 years of peace that our nation has experienced since the end of World War II in Europe.
Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Stephen Hives, added:
“We encourage people to join together and stand with us in gratitude to those men and women who secured our freedom all those years ago.
“May we never forget their sacrifice.”
The commemorations will continue beyond VE Day, including the launch of Armed Forces Week on Sunday 22 June. A flag-raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day will take place at the Guildhall on Monday 23 June.
Road closure application fees waived for community street parties
For residents wishing to hold a street party to celebrate this historic occasion, the council is waiving road closure fees from Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May. Organisers still need to apply online for a road closure before 5pm on Sunday 6 April 2025. It is hoped that this initiative will encourage communities to come together to mark the occasion in a fitting and inclusive way.
Guildford residents are encouraged to participate in these events, reflecting on the sacrifices made 80 years ago and celebrating the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
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Notes to Editors
Guildford Borough Council is proud to be a Ministry of Defence Silver Employers Recognition Scheme Award holder for 2021 onwards for our commitment and support to the Armed Forces Community.
More information about our nations shared moment of celebration: https://ve80.com/
Services at Guildford Cathedral
On Sunday 11 May, a special service will be held at Guildford Cathedral in honour of VE Day. Representatives from the Armed Forces, Emergency Services, and key county officials will be in attendance.
To mark the anniversary of VJ Day and the end of WWII, a special Evensong service will take place at Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 17 August.
Photo supplied: Union Flags
Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk