How the city and region will celebrate end of war anniversary.
Milton Keynes is preparing to mark an historic VE Day anniversary next month when it remembers the men and women who gave their lives during World War Two.
Thursday, 8th May 2025, will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe – and it’s being called VE Day 80. Towns and cities across the UK will stop and mark the momentous day when fighting stopped in Europe after Germany made an unconditional surrender.
And everyone throughout Milton Keynes and the surrounding area is encouraged to come together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace in Europe. So what celebrations are taking place to mark VE Day across our region? Here MKFM lists a selection of them.
VE Day Special Quiz Night
Thu 1st, Revs De Cuba, Milton Keynes, 6-8pm
Revs De Cuba is holding a VE Day quiz celebrating the city’s older community. Immerse yourself in a nostalgic atmosphere with Union Flags and engaging questions. From historical facts to everyday life in 1945, the quiz promises fun and friendly competition and a memorable evening for all ages. Tickets £5 each.
VE Day 2025 Garden Party – 80th Anniversary
Sat 3rd May, Kings Arms, Newport Pagnell, 1pm
The popular pub hosts a garden party to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
Denton VE Day Celebrations
Sat 3rd May, Denton Village Hall, Denton, 11am
Fun filled celebration for all the family taking place at the village hall and St Margaret’s Church. A brass band, hot food, drinks, VE Day memorabilia, treasure hunt and stalls are among the attractions.
VE Celebration 1940s Weekend
Sat 3rd-Sun 4th May, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, 9.30am
Packed schedule of entertainment throughout the weekend with music, dancing, activities for families and demonstrations. Plus vintage tunes performed by live bands and singers. Meet characters from World War Two. Normal admission to the site applies.
80 years VE Day Celebration
Mon 5th May, White Hart, Sherington, 1pm
Remembering 80 years since VE Day, Sherington village hosts a fun day in partnership with Sherington WI and Sherington Parish Council. Food sellers, a bouncy castle, 1940s band and singers playing music of the era, and charity stalls all feature.
Remembering VE Day
Thu 8th May, Carlton House Club, 2-5pm
Mark the momentous anniversary together at Olney’s club building to ensure that the service and sacrifice of the WW2 generation is always remembered. Musical entertainment, a buffet and a raffle will all be available. Tickets £10 and all proceeds go to the Royal British Legion.
VE Day celebrations and Light Pyramid illumination
Thu 8th May, Milton Keynes Rose, 8-9.30pm
Join the city’s celebration at the Milton Keynes Rose, Campbell Park, to enjoy music, dancing and singing, plus refreshments before processing to the Light Pyramid. At 9.30pm, the beacon will be lit along with over a thousand other beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace to shine throughout the UK.
VE Day 80 – Lighting of the Beacon
Thu 8th May, MK Museum, Wolverton, 7pm
The museum will be one of many sites across the UK lighting its beacon to mark the special anniversary. There’s live entertainment, cadet marches, food and drink stalls and much more at this partnership event with Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council.
VE Day 80th Anniversary
Thu 8th, Wootton Community Centre, Wootton, 8pm
Join in for a special VE Day anniversary commemoration. All are welcome.
VE Day 80 Beacon Event
Thu 8th, Clapham Playing Field, Bedford, 7.30pm
Beacon lighting event as part of the national VE Day 80 celebration taking place on the field behind the Village Hall. Celebrations start at 7.30pm with refreshments and music in the Hall if available, otherwise on the Field. The beacon will be lit in line with the national beacon lighting at 9.30pm. All are welcome.
VE Day flag raising
Sat 8th, Upton, Northampton, 9am
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will be flying the official VE Day flag at its offices in Daventry and Towcester, while a short flag-raising ceremony will take place at 9am on Thursday outside the Guildhall in Northampton, where the public is invited to attend.
Newport Pagnell Vintage Event
Sat 7th June, Queens Avenue, Newport Pagnell, 11am-5.30pm
A day of celebration and nostalgia, a few weeks later, celebrating the anniversary of VE Day at the Newport Pagnell Vintage Event. The main event will take place on Bury Common, with additional entertainment and activities in the Queens Avenue car parks, the Mead Centre, and the United Reformed Church.
Do you have a VE Day event planned? Let us know at: news@mkfm.com.
