Street parties and cathedral bells to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Manchester

This spring, Manchester is preparing to mark a momentous occasion: the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

As the calendar turns to May 8th, 2025, the city will join the rest of the country, and the world, in reflecting on the day that marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

It was a day of jubilant celebration in 1945, as millions across Europe flooded the streets, overwhelmed with relief and joy at the end of six harrowing years of conflict.

80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day in Manchester

And now, eight decades on, Manchester is inviting its residents to honour that momentous day with events that are both reflective and celebratory.

A key part of the commemorations will focus on the traditions that defined VE Day back in 1945 — particularly the iconic street parties that brought communities together.

In that same spirit, Manchester City Council is encouraging residents to organise their own local gatherings.

Bunting, Victoria sponge cakes, and Union Jack flags will once again line the streets as neighbours come together to celebrate peace and community.

How to host a VE Day Party in Manchester

To make these modern-day street parties easier to host, the city is waiving the usual £159 street closure fee for events taking place on the bank holiday, Monday 5th May. Residents wishing to host a party will need to submit their applications by 5pm on April 12th via a specially set-up web page dedicated to VE Day 80.

But the celebrations won’t stop at local street level. A programme of civic events is also planned, including a special reception at the Central Library hosted by the Lord Mayor, welcoming veterans and dignitaries.

Later in the day, Manchester Cathedral will hold an evensong service, culminating in a celebratory ringing of the cathedral bells: a moving tribute to those who served.

There’s also a call for creativity across the city. A social media campaign will run in the lead-up to VE Day, inviting people of all ages to get involved: from creating bunting and artwork for their windows, to schools joining in educational and artistic activities that help younger generations connect with the history of the day.

While VE Day is the immediate focus, the council has also confirmed that commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day will follow later in the summer, continuing the city’s efforts to remember all who contributed to the end of the war.

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, shared her thoughts on the significance of the anniversary: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day provides us a valuable opportunity to remember and reflect on the immense sacrifices which were made to ensure that tyranny in Europe was ultimately defeated.

“As the decades go on and the Second World War moves further from living memory, it becomes even more important that younger generations learn the lessons of history and keep alive the spirit of those who served our country.

“I am immensely proud to lead the Council during such a meaningful occasion and I would invite all Mancunians to join me in celebration of VE Day 80 this May.”

To find out how you can take part in Manchester’s VE Day 80 celebrations — from street parties to community art — visit the city’s official VE Day 80 information page by clicking here