Commemorating VE Day 80

Tuesday 13th May 2025

BB members across the country took part in a series of local and national events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The week of national events began with a ceremony on Parliament Square and a procession down The Mall and past Buckingham Palace, with the uniformed youth contingent being led by the London Massed Bugle Band and BB members also marching in the contingent itself.

A group of young people and leaders watched the procession and RAF flypast from a special viewing area for uniformed youth opposite Buckingham Palace, and the BB was also represented in the Royal Box alongside HM The King and other members of the Royal Family, Government ministers, veterans and other uniformed youth.

On the same day, another group of BB members were able to attend a tea party in Downing Street, which was hosted by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

On VE Day itself, we were invited to attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and, that evening, over 200 BB young people, leaders and parents/carers enjoyed a celebratory concert on Horse Guards Parade, which featured a range of musical, acting and dancing performances, as well as a message from HM The King and some powerful stories from some of the veterans and evacuees who experienced World War II first hand.

We are extremely grateful to the Youth United Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the opportunity to be a part of these national events.

Locally, BB members have got involved in a wide range of activities to mark this significant occasion, including community beacon lightings and parades, getting involved in our ‘Edible Union Jack Challenge’, learning about World War II, creating VE Day medals and a range of other craft activities, and reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who went before us as well as the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross.

Check out some photos below to see how BB members commemorated VE Day 80 . . .