Here’s how York is celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
This coming Thursday 8 May marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. To commemorate the occasion, there are a variety of events happening in York and beyond, such as concerts, exhibitions, and street parties.
And from Monday 5 to Thursday 8 May, the York city bars and walls will be lit in red, white and blue during the night – as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made by so many.
Are we missing an event? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
VE Day 80 celebrations in York and beyond
VE Day 80th Celebration Weekend at Eden Camp
Jubilation filled the streets on 8 May 1945, as millions came together to celebrate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). Now, 80 years later, we’re bringing the spirit of 1945 back to Eden Camp with a special weekend of festivities! Step into the past and experience the joy, resilience, and camaraderie of wartime Britain. Join us for a weekend packed with family-friendly activities, live performances, and immersive storytelling to mark this historic moment.
- Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton, YO17 6RT
- Sat 3 – Mon 5 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
VE Day Street Part at Osbaldwick Sports Club
VE Day Street Party at Osbaldwick Sports Club.
- Osbaldwick Sports Club, The Leyes, York YO10 3PR
- Mon 5 May
- From 3pm
- More info
We’ll Meet Again and VE Day Memorial service at Yorkshire Air Museum
At the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial at Elvington near York there will be events held over three days, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. On May 8th itself there will be be a Memorial Service in our chapel at 11.30, led by the Museum’s chaplain. This is open to all visitors.
The big celebration takes place on May 10th and 11th, with our annual wartime weekend, ‘We’ll Meet Again’. 1940s re-enactors, vehicles, displays and demonstrations will take place against the backdrop of the Museum’s Halifax bomber and Dakota paratrooper aircraft, on the site of a former RAF WW2 bomber base. This is an annual event but has a VE Day twist, with a street party taking place over the weekend. Bring your own picnic and join in the celebrations, or buy food from our café and share the tables with other visitors.
- Yorkshire Air Museum, Halifax Way, Elvington, York YO41 4AU
- Thu 8 – Sun 11 May
- 10am – 5pm
- More info
Explore York VE Day Archive Exhibition
This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For one day only, there will be an exhibition of original archives exploring York’s response to WWII and the victory celebrations. The exhibition will include ‘listening stations’ where you can hear oral history interviews with York’s Normandy Veterans, most of whom have now passed away. Come along to discover more about a period of history that is on the verge of passing beyond living memory.
- Library Square, Museum Street, York, York, YO1 7DS
- Thu 8 May
- 9am – 8pm
- More info
Bomb Happy VE Day 80: Hank And Smudger’s Stories
A poignant double bill featuring two new works from award-winning playwright Helena Fox: In the Footsteps of Hank Haydock: A Walk in the Park; a 30 minute lyrical verbatim short film, followed by Sleep/Re-Live/Wake/Repeat; Live, spoken work and acapella song performance in collaboration with vocalist Natasha Jones.
- York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
- Thu 8 May
- 5pm
- More info
Celebration Concert at Haxby Memorial Hall
Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a special street party style concert at Haxby Memorial Hall. With live music from Generation Groove, Community Chorus and some very special guests, Miller’s Fish & Chip Wagon will be there and there will be a stall selling Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks. Bring a chair, bring a picnic, bring your friends and be part of the official countrywide VE Day celebrations. Gates open at 5.30pm.
- Haxby Memorial Hall, 16 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 3HT
- Thu 8 May
- From 5:30pm
- More info
80th Anniversary VE Day Celebration Luncheon
Join us on this very special day to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. A celebratory Cocktail Reception will be followed by a four-course luncheon with accompanying wines. The menu will be imaginatively created by Head Chef Ashley Binder, with a ‘Dig for Victory’ approach, using produce from our own gardens as well as sourced from local farmers.
- Middlethorpe Hall, Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2GB
- Thu 8 May
- 5pm
- More info
VE Day Evensong
On Thursday 8 May we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the 5.30pm Evensong. Please do join us for this special service.
- York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
- Thu 8 May
- 5:30pm
- More info
V.E. Day 80th Anniversary Proms Celebration
Join us in the magnificent Ripon Cathedral for an evening of fantastic music celebrating 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. Ripon Community Poppy Project are working in partnership with Ripon Cathedral to host a VE Day Proms Celebration.
Performing at this celebration event will be Echo 42 playing Glen Miller classics, The Duchy Belles singing songs by the Andrew’s Sisters. Charlotte Potter will be singing some of the songs Vera Lynne made famous. Simeon Woods a flautist who auditioned on BGT.
- Ripon Cathedral, Minster Rd, Ripon, HG4 1QT
- Thu 8 May
- 7:15pm
- More info
VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert
York Railway Institute Band join forces with York Military Wives Choir to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. The programme will feature wonderful music both old and new that evokes memories of that heady day in May 1945 when people celebrated the end of the war in Europe. Band and choir will be showcased through their solo features and join together in perfect harmony too. The concert will culminate in full patriotic style with the audience, band and choir joining together in a rousing ‘Last Night of the Proms’ finale.
- St Wilfred’s Garrison Church, York, YO32 5UU
- Thu 8 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
VE Celebration Weekend
Celebrate VE Day 80 in style at the fabulous Carlton Towers. Browse the amazing range of stalls, stop by our bar and food court to refuel on the lawns, ready to take another look at the fantastic produce on offer from local businesses. There will be live music from Miss Marina Mae (Sunday Only) and Punch & Judy performances, as well as historical talks with RAF Snaith Museum. With lots of food and drink options.
- Carlton Towers, Carlton, DN14 9LZ
- Sat 10 – Sun 11 May
- 10am – 4pm
- More info
Catton’s Street Party
A combined event for Stamford Bridge and the Catton’s in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
A Vintage themed day supported with WWII memorabilia / visuals together with static time-associated items and vehicles. Free admission and refreshments available.
- Low Catton Village Hall, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO41 1EA
- Sat 10 May
- 10am – 4pm
Pocklington VE Day Celebrations
A free family day of fun with 1940s inspired entertainment, games, and food.
- Pocklington West Green
- Sat 10 May
- 12-5pm
- More info