Sir Winston Churchill's VE Day speech to feature in 75th anniversary celebrations The traditional early May bank holiday has been shifted from Monday 4 to Friday 8 to help people get out and celebrate.

Image: Winston Churchill waves to the crowds in Whitehall on VE Day in 1945

Sir Winston Churchill's famous Second World War victory speech will be broadcast across the country on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The declaration of success for "the great British nation" on 8 May 1945, marking the formal acceptance of Germany's unconditional surrender by the Allies after six years of fighting, will beam out over public spaces from 3pm.

People are being encouraged to get out and about and celebrate the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, with the traditional early May bank holiday having been shifted from Monday 4 to Friday 8.

Image: Londoners celebrate in Trafalgar Square 75 years ago after Germany surrendered

The Royal British Legion and the government especially want those who contributed to the war effort, including those who served on the home front and in the emergency services, to attend events that will celebrate their role.

Most of the main commemorations will take place in London, including a procession down The Mall and a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.


Invites to the latter are being sent out to veterans, while applications are open for descendants, child evacuees, and members of the Allied Forces and Commonwealth to attend other events in the capital.

St James's Park will be transformed into Victory Park, featuring examples of what life was like in wartime Britain, while the Red Arrows and a Battle of Britain memorial flight will be seen above Buckingham Palace.

Image: People who helped the war effort at home are invited to attend special events

Outside London, there will be a remembrance service and parade in Cardiff, a parade and concert in Edinburgh, and street parties are expected to be held across the UK.

Pubs, clubs and cinemas will also be able to stay open into the early hours.

Boris Johnson says the VE Day celebrations are a "historic moment" for Britons to come together and reflect on the conflict.