VE DAY 80
VE DAY 80
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the formal end to the Second World War in Europe.
In Britain, the first VE Day was met with jubilant celebrations, with street parties, bonfires, and large crowds gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square and outside Buckingham Palace to see Winston Churchill and King George VI. Over the decades, Britain has continued to commemorate VE Day with events honouring veterans, remembrance services, and moments of reflection. While the scale of celebrations has varied, the day remains an important occasion for remembering the sacrifices made during the war and celebrating peace in Europe.
The Bunker played a pivotal role throughout the Second World War in a variety of offensive and defensive roles. It was from our Operations Room that vital air cover was coordinated, which protected forces on the ground and supported the liberation of Europe.
The Battle of Britain Bunker has put together a packed schedule of events to commemorate this important anniversary. These include special Bunker tours, guest speakers, live music, family activities, and more.
Take a look below to see our planned events.
Event Schedule
3 MAY – 5 MAY 2025
Saturday
03 MAY
10am – 4pm
Object Handling
10am – 4pm
1940s Family Games & Activities
10am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
11:30am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
1pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe
2:30pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
Sunday
04 MAY
10am – 4pm
Object Handling
10am – 4pm
1940s Family Games & Activities
10am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
11:30am
VE Day 80 Speaker Series: Chris Leworthy ‘D Day to VE Day’
Join Chris Leworthy as he gives a vivid description of each part of the invasion, bringing the story to life with the inclusion of the experiences of individuals as they grappled with the challenges in front of them.
11:30am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
1pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
2:30pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe.
Monday
05 MAY
ALL DAY
Street Party
Enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional VE Day Street Party, complete with Food stalls, games, activities and dancing. Have a look at the scheduled events listed below.
ALL DAY
Re-enactments
Experience VE Day celebrations with our historical re-enactors, on site throughout the day
10am – 4pm
Object Handling
10am – 4pm
Climbing Wall
10am – 4pm
1940s Family Games & Activities
10am – 2pm
Reminiscence Roadshow
Share personal memories and oral histories from the past 60 years. Whether you remember VE Day clearly or wish to record your fond memories of everyday life, your stories are valuable pieces of our shared history. These memories will not only be part of a future exhibition but will also have a permanent place in our community archive for future generations to explore and learn from.
10am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe
11am
Naomi Cook
Live music by Singer-Songwriter Naomi Cook
Included with any Bunker Tour or Visitor Centre ticket
11:30am
VE Day 80 Speaker Series: Phil Craig ‘WW2 – The Reckoning; From the Finest Hour to the End of Empire’
In this fascinating talk Phil Craig will share important and moving stories from all three of his WW2 books, and deliver his reckoning of Britain and her empire in the Second World War.
11:30am
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe
11:45am
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Wreath Laying ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, led by the Mayor of Hillingdon
12pm
Easy Street Big Band
Live music by the Easy Street Band
Included with any Bunker Tour or Visitor Centre ticket
1.15pm
Beck Community Choir
Live music by the Beck Community Choir
Included with any Bunker Tour or Visitor Centre ticket
1pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe
2pm
Naomi Cook
Live music by Singer-Songwriter Naomi Cook
Included with any Bunker Tour or Visitor Centre ticket
2pm
VE Day 80 Speaker Series: Sonia Purnell – Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue
When Pamela Churchill Harriman died in 1997, the obituaries that followed were scathing – and often downright sexist. Written off as a social climber, her glamorous social life and infamous erotic adventures overshadowed her true legacy. Her influence began at age twenty, when her father-in-law, Winston Churchill, engaged her as a “secret weapon” during World War II, wining, dining and seducing Americans over to the British cause against Hitler. Much of what she did behind the scenes to shape the twentieth century, on both sides of the Atlantic, remained invisible. That is, until now: with a wealth of fresh research, Sonia Purnell unveils for the first time the full, spectacular story of how Harriman left an indelible mark on the world today.
2:30pm
Tea Dance
Join us for cake and a traditional Tea Dance on the Mezzanine. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner this is for everyone to enjoy.
Included with any Bunker Tour or Visitor Centre ticket
2:30pm
VE Day 80 Bunker Tour
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we will be running a series of special tours into the Bunker. The tour will explain the Bunker’s pivotal contribution to achieving victory in Europe
Visit Essentials & Site Information
Parking
We have two carparks available over VE Day – the lower carpark adjacent to the Visitor Centre and overflow parking at the top of Dowding Park.
A drop off zone for blue badge holders is available at the main site gates with stewards on hand to assist.
Bunker Access
As a Grade I listed building, the Bunker and the Operations Room can only be accessed via 77 steps. There is no lift or ramp access.
For visitors with reduced mobility, we will be hosting a short film in the in our wheelchair accessible Visitor Centre.
Getting Here
BY CAR: Use satnav postcode UB10 0GG (different from postal address) or search maps for Battle of Britain Bunker
BY TUBE: Nearest station Uxbridge (Metropolitan and Piccadilly)
Eating and Shopping
In addition to our onsite Cafe, refreshments will be available via food trucks during our street party on 5 May.
There is a shop in our Visitor Centre which sells a variety of relevant products.
Sensory Map
You can use our visual and sensory map to identify sensory-friendly places within the Visitor Centre and Bunker. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that the spaces will be as shown. If you have concerns or questions, please email us or call us!
Coats & Buggy Park
The Visitor Centre has level access throughout and a lift between the spaces.
We can store one buggy in the Auditorium cloakroom. Please ask a member of staff for assistance. We ask that visitors avoid bringing large bags into the museum.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is encouraged and supported across our site.
Eating Areas
There are picnic benches near the outside aircrafts and plenty of space for running around.
Changing Places
Unfortunately, we currently do not have a Changing Places toilet. Your nearest Changing Places toilet is located in Uxbridge town centre;
Intu Uxbridge Shopping Centre
Uxbridge
Greater London
UB8 1GE
GB
Please see the Changing Places website for more locations.
Baby Changing
Baby changing facilities are available on the First Floor of the Visitor Centre in the Accessible toilet.