National Memorial Arboretum to host weekend of celebrations for VE Day 80th anniversary

To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is inviting visitors to step back in time with a weekend of free, family-friendly activities inspired by the joyous street parties that took place across Britain in May 1945.

Running from Saturday 3 to Monday 5 May, this vibrant celebration forms part of the Arboretum’s year-long programme, ‘The Year was 1945…’, commemorating 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

“VE Day was a moment of immense joy and relief for communities across the UK, and this anniversary is a chance to reflect on that collective sense of celebration,” said Mark Ellis, National Memorial Arboretum Lead. “Through music, storytelling and interactive activities, we’ll be creating a weekend full of atmosphere and connection, echoing the spirit of 1945.”

A packed programme of entertainment will bring the era to life, including live performances, vintage dance workshops, and a mass singalong at the end of each day. Visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional lawn games and get creative by making musical instruments and flags to wave.

Costumed interpreters will share stories inspired by those who lived through the war, from land girls supporting food production, to ARP wardens helping communities during air raids.

A 1945-inspired food and drink menu will be available throughout the weekend at the Arboretum’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop. From build-your-own afternoon tea, to ploughman’s salad boxes and classic fish and chips, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

For those looking to deepen their understanding of what life was like in 1945, there will be a ‘Road of VE Day’ guided walk led by one of the Arboretum’s knowledgeable volunteers available at a charge. Alternatively, visitors can explore these stories at their own pace using a free self-led trail sheet from the Welcome Desk.

On Saturday 3 May, four new exhibitions will open at the Arboretum. ‘VE Day Street Party at Cherry Tree Road’ captures the sense of joy and community that swept across the country, while ‘Through Their Eyes: 80 Years On’ shares the personal reflections of those who were still serving while the war continued in the Far East as peace returned to Europe. The ‘Letters From the Frontline’ exhibition, produced in partnership with BBC radio stations across the Midlands, will share the changing experiences and emotions of Armed Forces Personnel and their families during the final months of WWII, and the ‘Prisoners of War – A Chaplain’s Portraits’ exhibition will showcase a series of portraits drawn by Army Chaplain Fred Stallard during his time as a prisoner of war in the Far East, accompanied by personal stories that reveal the harsh realities of captivity and the fates of those depicted.

The day prior (Friday 2 May) will be dedicated to hosting schools from the Staffordshire area who will be putting on VE Day-inspired performances to culminate an eight-week educational programme led by the Arboretum. These performances will be observed by residents from Galanos House – a Royal British Legion care home exclusively for veterans and the Armed Forces community.

On Thursday 8 May, the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Royal British Legion will host a special VE Day Tea Party and Commemorative Service within the grounds of the Arboretum, bringing together the largest gathering of Second World War veterans. A live programme of music from the 1940s era will be performed from 10am throughout the day in Heroes’ Square providing a fitting tea party vibe before the commemorative service begins at 4pm.

The National Memorial Arboretum is committed to ensuring a welcoming place for everyone. BSL-interpreted performances will be available each day – visitors wishing to make use of these services are encouraged to contact the team in advance via info@thenma.org.uk or by calling 01283 245 100. Further accessibility information can be found here.

For more information about the wide range of activities taking place across VE Day weekend, visit: https://www.thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/the-year-was-1945-ve-day-celebrations