On the build-up to the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, Cumberland Council is encouraging residents to check local listings for organised events.
Town Councils, Parish Councils and the Royal British Legion have organised events in their areas. Check websites and social media accounts for updates.
To help commemorate the May anniversary, the council is also planning to light their main buildings red (and where it allows red, white and blue) and will also fly the Union Flag.
The council’s The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is also organising a pop up event on Saturday 10 May.
The Government has announced four days of nationwide celebrations across the country leading up to VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 - starting with street parties, barbecues and community get-togethers up and down the country on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May.
The official 80th anniversary website offers a wealth of tips and inspiration for party planners including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together, ideas for food, games and activities, quiz sheets and templates for home-made bunting, flags, posters and party invitations.
The timeline announced by the Government leading up to #VE80 includes:
- Monday 5 May - street parties and community gatherings across the country, including on board HMS Belfast in London.
- Tuesday 6 May - historic landmarks to be lit up this evening and an installation of ceramic poppies to return to the Tower of London.
- Wednesday 7 May - concert at Westminster Hall in London.
- Thursday 8 May - service at Westminster Abbey and concert at Horseguards Parade, London.
Later in the summer, on VJ Day, Friday 15 August, the National Memorial Arboretum will host a service to mark 80 years since the end of the war in the Far East.