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VE Day: The celebrations in pictures

Veterans and members of the armed forces gather on the West Terrace in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to view the flypast Getty Images

Across the country celebrations are taking place to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day

From street parties across the country to a military procession in London, lots of celebrations are taking place this week to mark 80 years since VE day.

VE day marks a day towards the end of World War Two when the fighting ended in Europe.

A range of events have been planned for this years 80th anniversary.

Here's a round-up of some that have taken place so far.

Street parties

Residents take part in a street party during bank holiday celebrations commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, in ManchesterReuters

These residents in Manchester took part in one of the many street parties across the UK.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosts a VE Day 80th Anniversary street party at Downing StreetGetty Images

Downing Street - where the UK's prime minister and chancellor of the exchequer live - hosted their own VE day street party complete with bunting, cakes and lots of flags.

Members of the public dance during in a VE Day street partyGetty Images

At this street party in Lytham people dressed for the occasion and even enjoyed a dance as part of their celebrations.

Britain's Princess of Wales joins Second World War veterans at a tea party in Buckingham PalaceReuters

A tea party was also held at Buckingham Palace for World War Two veterans and their families, it was attended by members of the Royal Family including the Princess of Wales - pictured here.

Crocheted people and food in a tea party setting

And at this village in Warwickshire it wasn't only real street parties happening. The village came together to crochet this incredible street party decoration - how amazing is this?

Military parade and flypast

Huge crowds gather to watch the military fly pass over The Mall in London Getty Images

Huge crowds gathered on The Mall in London to watch both the military parade and the flypast.

Members of the armed forces parade down The Mall, in central London on May 5, 2025 during an armed forces processionGetty Images

A military procession around central London took place as armed forces passed by several famous landmarks watched by thousands.

Red Arrows perform a flypast over The MallGetty Images

Following the parade, a flypast of both current and former military aircraft took place over Buckingham Palace. The Red Arrows were part of the flypast that entertained the crowds.

Prince William, Princess Catherine and the 3 royal children watch the Red Arrows flypast from Buckingham Palace balcony after attending the armed forces procession on May 5, 2025 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE DayGetty Images

The Royal Family enjoyed the flypast from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to crowds, on the balcony of Buckingham PalaceGetty Images

King Charles III and Queen Camilla waved to the thousands of people gathered to enjoy the celebrations.

Other celebrations

Yeoman Sergeant Dan Benson amongst a new display of ceramic poppies, called The Tower RemembersGetty Images

Also forming part of the VE Day commemorations is a display at the Tower of London. It's made up of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies.

Blackpool tower, Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh castle lit up in red, white and blue Peter Byrne/PA Wire, Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire, Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Landmarks across the UK were lit up for the VE Day anniversary including Blackpool Tower, Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh Castle

Big Ben lit up with UK flagGetty Images

Big Ben was another landmark that marked the occasion as it was lit up with a UK flag