Ealing will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day next month with a series of events, including a beacon lighting ceremony, street parties and the unveiling of a commemorative blue plaque.
VE Day marks the moment on 8 May 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces, ending the Second World War in Europe after nearly six years of devastating conflict.
The main public event takes place on 8 May 2025 in Walpole Park, where residents in the borough are invited to gather from 9pm at the Mattock Lane entrance. At 9.30pm, the hymn Vow to Thee My Country will be sung, followed by the lighting of a beacon near Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery at 9.45pm.
Council leader Councillor Peter Mason said: “While we honour and remember the millions of people who lost their lives during World War Two, it is also important to celebrate their efforts and the peacetime they brought about on Victory in Europe Day, just as people did 80 years ago.”
Earlier that day, a blue plaque will be unveiled on Lawrence Road in South Ealing to commemorate the wartime contribution of a local resident. The ceremony, organised by English Heritage, will be attended by Councillor Mason and Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities.
Residents are also being encouraged to host their own street parties on bank holiday Monday, 5 May 2025. Applications for road closures are open on the council’s website until 17 April 2025 and more information can be found by clicking here.
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