04 May 2025
On May 8 2025, we mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80
years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it.
If you’re wondering what’s happening locally across the district, we’ve put together a simple guide setting out events taking place on Thursday and on other days around the anniversary.
City centre
9am – The Town Crier will undertake the VE Day Proclamation outside the Clock Tower.
9.30am – The Mayor and the Town Crier will pay their respects and lay a wreath to the fallen at the war memorial.
Museum + Gallery
9.30am – The Union Flag will fly from the roof.
10am – St Albans Museum + Gallery will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with the opening of a new display in the Assembly Room which centres on the experiences of individuals from across the district as a way of humanising and personalising the wartime topics we think we know.
St Albans Cathedral
5pm – Special Choral Evensong sung by the Abbey Singers. A special act of remembrance, and prayers for peace in our world today.
6.30pm – The bells ring out. The Cathedral Change Ringers are also part of the National Ring Out in Celebration, which is happening from bell towers across the land at the same time.
May 10, 7.30pm – On 8 May 1945, people across the UK took to the streets to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe. Eighty years on, join the Cathedral for their own VE Day celebrations and dance the night away in the Nave. The evening start with drinks and puddings before dancing to vintage sounds performed by the Fleetville Swing Band. Come in your 1940s dress or wear red, white and blue (though not compulsory)! A pay bar will be running and tickets to include a pudding are £20.
Highfield Park
8.30pm – Gathering on the Green at Highfield Park.
9.20pm – The Town Crier will read the VE proclamation.
9.30pm – Beacon Lighting. St Albans Mayor Cllr Jamie Day will make an address and light the beacon.
Over 1,000 beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace will shine throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, with the flames from them representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
9.30pm – Winston Churchill. After the Beacon is lit the audience will listen to the immortal words of Winston Churchill.
9.35pm – ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.
From city and town squares to village greens, and all other manner of locations, the nation will come together at this special moment in time to sing the hymn ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’, standing side by side in gratitude, honouring the many sacrifices that secured our freedom.
Council offices
10.30am – Opportunity for veterans to join the Mayor for a coffee morning in the Council Chamber.
Please contact the Mayoral office to confirm attendance by May 7 either by email at mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk or call 01727 819544.
Harpenden Common
9.15pm – Speech from Mayor of Harpenden Cllr Pip Liver .
9.30pm – Beacon Lighting.
9.35pm – ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ singing.
St Stephen’s Church
May 4, 12.30-5pm – WWII themed displays, musical entertainment and a singalong of popular songs from the era, plus cream teas in the hall from 2-4.30pm.
St Bartholomew’s Church
May 5 2-4.30pm – WWII themed displays in the church, light refreshments, a dance demonstration and music in the hall.
St Julian’s Church
May 8, 9am – Raise the VE Day 80 flag.
10.30am – Community café with WWII themed food.
6.30pm – Bell ringing.
8-10pm – WWII themed displays in church with refreshments, including at 9.30pm the lighting of the brazier and a formal tribute by county councillor Sandy Walkington.
