National Memorial Arboretum announces 80th anniversary commemorative programme

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire is launching ‘The Year Was 1945…’, a special programme of events and activities themed around 1945. The events, running at key points throughout the year, will include a VE Day celebration weekend taking inspiration from the iconic street parties of 1945, alongside Acts of Remembrance, themed exhibitions, and guided talks and tours.

The programme will focus on two major anniversaries: Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August. VE Day marks 80 years since the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, a moment of relief and celebration across Britain and Allied nations. But while Europe rejoiced, the war in the Pacific continued, with Japan still resisting Allied advances. It was not until 15 August, following the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, that Japan surrendered, officially bringing the global conflict to an end.

“Life in Britain in 1945 was a time of both celebration and challenge. The nation rejoiced as VE Day signified the end of the war in Europe, subsequently followed by the relief of VJ Day in August, bringing six years of global conflict to a close. Yet, for many, the hardship was far from over. Communities continued to grapple with rationing, the return of loved ones from military service, and the enormous task of rebuilding their lives and cities,” explains Mark Ellis, National Memorial Arboretum. “At the Arboretum this year, ‘The Year Was 1945…’ will take visitors on a journey back to that seismic period, sharing real stories from those who lived through these historic moments. Our programme of events will offer opportunities to reflect, learn, and commemorate these significant anniversaries.”

Key activities across ‘The Year Was 1945…’ will include:

VE Day Celebrations (3-5 May) – Members of the public are invited to join a day of celebration at the Arboretum, recreating the spirit of the street parties that took place across Britain in May 1945. Live music, period entertainment, and themed activities will evoke the atmosphere of the time.
Themed Tours, Talks and Trails – Led by expert volunteers, these exclusive guided tours will highlight key memorials within the Arboretum that tell the stories of individuals and groups involved in the Second World War, from military units to civilian organisations.
Exhibition Programmes – Four dedicated exhibitions within the Remembrance Centre will explore the real-life experiences of those who lived through 1945. These will include personal stories from veterans and civilians, letters, photographs, and historical artefacts that bring the period to life.
80^th Anniversary Commemorations – Acts of Remembrance to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Second World War, acknowledging both the jubilation of victory and the solemn Remembrance of those who never returned.

For more information on the upcoming programme of events, visit https://www.thenma.org.uk/. Further details will be shared with the public via the National Memorial Arboretum’s social media channels.