The United Kingdom prepares to reflect on a pivotal moment in history, the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Marking this significant occasion, BBC One will broadcast a special live concert, “VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember,” bringing together music, performance, and personal stories from Horse Guards Parade in London.
This commemorative event, hosted by Zoe Ball, is set for transmission on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM across BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The broadcast aims to honour the sacrifices made during the Second World War while celebrating the peace secured eighty years ago.
The evening will blend moments of solemn remembrance with uplifting entertainment. Veterans will share their own experiences of VE Day, offering personal accounts of that historic time. Adding a historical dimension, actor Brian Cox will deliver Winston Churchill’s powerful wartime speech that originally announced the end of the war in Europe.
A wide range of musical talent will contribute to the commemoration. Confirmed performers include Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker, and Sir Willard White. They will perform songs relevant to the era, including well-known tunes like “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “We’ll Meet Again.” Fleur East’s opening number will be animated by dancers from “Strictly Come Dancing.” Voices from Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock will also feature.
In a unique segment, the classic comedy “Dad’s Army” receives a revival featuring Kevin Eldon, Iain Glen, Nigel Havers, Sir Derek Jacobi, Larry Lamb, Alex Macqueen, and Daniel Mays. The entire concert is produced for the BBC by BBC Studios Events, creating a national moment of reflection and celebration accessible to all via BBC One and iPlayer.
