The 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marked the end of World War Two in Europe, is being commemorated with a series of events across the United Kingdom from May 5 to May 8. Originally, on May 8, 1945, massive crowds flooded the streets to celebrate the end of nearly six years of war. In 2025, the UK is honoring this pivotal moment in history with four days of events, ceremonies, and celebrations. On Thursday, May 8, a service of remembrance and thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey. This service honored the World War Two generation and was attended by the Royal Family, including the King and Queen, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former UK prime ministers, and World War Two veterans. The service reflected back on 1945, when short services were held hourly at the Abbey, drawing about 25,000 attendees throughout the day. In 2025, hundreds gathered for the service, which featured stories from individuals who lived through the war and VE Day, a broadcast of Winston Churchill's VE Day speech from 10 Downing Street, and a prayer led by Churchill's 10-year-old great-great-grandson, Alexander. Following the service, the Royal Family engaged with veterans, shaking hands and sharing conversations. At noon on the same day, the UK observed a two-minute silence to remember those who fought in World War Two. Government buildings flew the Union Jack at full mast. The Cenotaph in London, adorned with Union Jack flags, served as a central point for reflection throughout the commemorations, offering individuals a place to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the war. To conclude the national commemorations on Thursday evening, a VE Day concert titled "VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember" took place at London's Horse Guards Parade. Hosted by Zoe Ball, the concert featured performances by stars such as Samantha Barks, Fleur East, and John Newman, with the King and Queen in attendance. Concurrently, the Royal Albert Hall hosted another concert, "VE Day 80: The Party," featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. This event was organized by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Additionally, pubs across England and Wales extended their hours, allowing patrons to celebrate until 1:00 AM BST. Beyond London, VE Day celebrations took place across the country. The Royal British Legion hosted an anniversary tea party and remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, one of the largest gatherings of World War Two veterans and their families. In Belfast, guided tours of wartime landmarks were conducted, while Pontypool, Wales, hosted events like a Great Victory Bake Off, a Knit for Victory event, and a costume competition at the Blaenavon Workmen's Hall. On Scotland's north coast, Banff Castle featured a full program of music, dance, and entertainment to celebrate the wartime and community spirit. On Monday, a military procession involving over 1,300 armed forces personnel and members of the public took place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace. Actor Timothy Spall opened the event in Parliament Square by reciting passages from Winston Churchill's famous VE Day speech. The procession passed significant landmarks such as the Cenotaph and Admiralty Arch before concluding at the Queen Victoria Memorial. World War Two veterans, along with the King, Queen, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, viewed the event from the Mall. Following the procession, a flypast of military aircraft occurred, featuring both historic and contemporary planes. A Lancaster bomber, one of only two operational, led the flypast, accompanied by advanced combat aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows, known for their vibrant smoke trails. The Royal Family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children, delighted the crowd with their presence at the military parade and later appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to greet the gathered public and watch the flypast. The Royal Family also hosted a tea party in the palace gardens for war veterans, their families, and other members of the wartime generation. The 2025 commemorations marked the first VE Day celebrations without any of the royals who appeared on the balcony 80 years ago, such as King George VI, the Queen Mother, a young Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Margaret. HMS Belfast, a significant surviving World War Two warship,