Preston to mark VE Day and VJ Day with special events

Preston City Council will proudly mark both VE Day and VJ Day in 2025 with a series of commemorative events in the city centre, following requests from local veterans and community members.

This year, in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the city’s focus will shift from the usual Armed Forces Day to these two historically significant dates.

VE Day, celebrated on Thursday, 8 May, commemorates the end of the war in Europe. Starting at 8.45pm at The Flag Market with speeches, performances from vintage singer Hattie Bee, music from Brindle Brass Band and a commemorative beacon lighting at 9.30pm with the Mayor of Preston, Cllr Philip Crowe, directly followed by the National Anthem.

VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan and the true end of WWII. To allow for wider public participation, this poignant anniversary will be observed on two dates: Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August.

Join The Right Worshipful Mayor of Preston, Councillor Philip Crowe on Friday, 15 August for the traditional commemoration ceremony for VJ Day, held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial in Preston Cemetery from 10am, to remember those ‘who gave their tomorrows so we could have our todays’. This ceremony has been held without fail every year since 1947, including socially distanced events during Covid.

On Saturday 16 August, watch as history comes to life on Preston Flag Market, from 10am. Beginning with a military parade, expect a range of events and performances, workshops and vintage music transporting you back in time with songs from the wartime period.

An opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of WWII and celebrate 80 years of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

Councillor Mel Close, Armed Forces Champion at, Preston City Council said:
"It’s important that we remember both VE Day and especially VJ Day, which marked the end of WWII, and the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families.

By commemorating these events in Preston, especially on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we honour those who gave so much.

The VJ Day event on 16 August allows us to welcome more people to reflect, remember, and show their support."

Colonel David Waters, President of Lancashire Armed Forces Association said, “It would be easier to generalise and talk about freedom and democracy, but in this last week, we’ve also had the anniversary of the liberation of Belsen Concentration Camp, and if that was to concentrate your mind on something, it’s about what people did lose in Europe through the occupation of the Germans, and so that in itself is a reason to celebrate VE Day.”

These events aim to bring together veterans, families, and the wider community in remembrance and gratitude. Full details of the programme will be released in the coming months.