VE Day 80 in the Winchester district
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the Winchester district is remembering the sacrifices and contributions that brought peace to Europe in 1945.
While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended World War II.
In Winchester, the special VE 80 flag will be raised at the Guildhall. Bunting to mark the occasion has also been put up in the city centre, and handcrafted poppies have been added to the gates of Abbey House by Sue Butcher, Chair of the Winchester Women’s Branch of the Royal British Legion.
This Saturday 3 May, the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith will welcome members of the local Royal British Legion to Abbey House for a special event to mark VE 80. He will also attend a VE80 flag-raising service in Portsmouth on Sunday 4 May.
On VE Day itself, the Mayor of Winchester will attend a flag-raising in Wickham and will join a celebratory VE80 tea party at Hope Church in Middle Brook Street.
The Mayor of Winchester Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith said: “On 8 May 2025, we will mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a momentous occasion which marked the end of World War II in Europe and brought hope to war-torn communities across many countries.
“In the Winchester district and beyond, people will come together to unite and to celebrate VE Day, and to remember the many millions who paid the ultimate price to achieve this historic victory. We pay tribute to their bravery, and to their service and sacrifice.
“We remember with gratitude all those who served in the Allied armed forces, as well as the civilians who played their part in contributing to the war effort on this day of joy, reflection and celebration.”
Events are taking place across the district. For more on the local events planned to mark VE Day 80, and on Winchester’s military connections, head to Visit Winchester's VE Day 80 page.