The street parades, the vibrant merrymaking and the overall sense of camaraderie. VE Day instils a sense of pride in each and every one of us, so join us at Imperial, where we're celebrating peace, unity and resilience in the best way possible - with a good old-fashioned party!
Over the years, VE Day has shifted from the jubilant and spontaneous celebrations seen in old photographs to a day of remembrance and reflection, but that doesn't mean we can't raise a glass or two!
So, grab your flags and round up your loved ones because it's going to be quite the week!
A refreshing British classic
Sweet, delightfully fruity and synonymous with warm summer days, nothing hits the spot quite like a tall glass of Pimm's. Whether you like yours with orange, strawberry, cucumber or mint, this classic cocktail is a quintessential VE Day tipple.
Make a week of it
Why limit the celebrations to just one day? VE Day may fall on Thursday the 8th of May, but London has much to offer. Here's our guide to making the most of the occasion with a week of parties, parades, and poppies.
Monday 5th May 2025
The celebrations commence on Monday the 5th with a street party for the ages. Thousands of people will line the streets of London for a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a spectacular flypast featuring the legendary Red Arrows and more.
Tuesday 6th May 2025
Make your way to the iconic Tower of London, which will once again be adorned with nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies. This stunning display, revived for 2025 by designer Tom Piper, will be unveiled on May the 6th, carpeting the lawn in front of the White Tower until November the 11th.
Wednesday 7th May 2025
The Parliament Choir will perform their Victory in Europe Day 80th Anniversary Concert on the 7th of May in the remarkably well-preserved medieval great hall that is Westminster Hall. Enjoy an inspiritng evening of reflection, connection and orchestral pieces from scross Europe.
Thursday 8th May 2025
The big day itself will start with a remembrance service in Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, attendees can enjoy a whole host of events, such as an open-air concert at Horse Guards Parade and 'VE Day 80: The Party' at the Royal Albert Hall. Plus, pubs will stay open for an extra two hours!