Southampton residents encouraged to celebrate VE Day 80 with street parties

The people of Southampton are invited to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day by organising street parties in their communities

The people of Southampton are invited to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8 May 2025 by organising street parties in their communities between Wednesday 30 April and Wednesday 21 May. The usual road closure fees will be waived for residential street parties, and applications should be submitted by Sunday 30 March.

In addition, applications are now open for the Lord Mayor’s Tea Party, a special gathering on Thursday 8 May to honour the occasion. Applications must be received by Friday 28 March. Spaces are limited, with priority given to World War II veterans, other veterans, and residents with memorabilia or photos of Southampton during World War II or VE Day to share on the day.

Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 8 April, and if oversubscribed, names will be chosen at random. Alongside community celebrations, the city will host a programme of public events to honour Southampton’s pivotal role in World War II. Organised by Southampton City Council in partnership with Associated British Ports (ABP), GO! Southampton, the Royal British Legion, and Bedford and Carlton Place Community, the commemorations will bring the community together to reflect on the past and celebrate Southampton’s resilience, including but not limited to:

• Hampshire VE 80 Concert at the O2 Guildhall Southampton, hosted by The Royal British Legion on Sunday 4 May. Working with sponsors Associated British Ports (ABP) with music performed by the Royal Marines Association Band, the evening will commemorate this time in history when everyone came together to celebrate the end of World War II, 80 years ago
• A Proclamation ceremony – a public event at the Civic Centre on Thursday 8 May, featuring the Lord Mayor, Town Crier, and a piper, followed by the raising of a VE Day 80 flag
• Beacon lighting – an evening ceremony on Thursday 8 May, with a performance by the City of Southampton (Albion) Band
• Southampton VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party – a large-scale celebration at Carlton Place on Sunday 11 May, featuring music, entertainment, 1940s vehicles and food
• Knitting and craft projects – knitters and crocheters are invited to create red, white, or navy blue bunting to honour those who lived through the war, with completed pennants to be submitted by 2 May 2025 at Southampton libraries
• SeaCity Museum – a display of photographs and information relevant to Southampton’s wartime efforts in the museum café, an area freely available to everyone (May to August)
• Guided walks - explore the city's wartime history through guided tours
• Outdoor screens – historic photographs from the city’s archives showcased across the city
• Banners – Union Flags displayed in Above Bar Street from May to August

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Dave Shields said:
“Southampton played a key role in World War II, from building the Spitfire to supporting the D-Day landings. These anniversaries enable us to remember our city’s resilience, honour those who fought for our freedom, and bring the community together. I encourage our people to take part and ensure these stories are passed on to future generations. I’m really looking forward to hosting the tea party and celebrating with the city.”

For more information, the Visit Southampton website has a dedicated webpage for VE Day.