Wandsworth celebrates VE Day 80

Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Wandsworth residents showed up in force during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), with 58 street parties all over the borough.

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We waived street closure fees to encourage as many as possible and our VE Day 80 Grant Fund helped support a range of community events. We went out and about to capture just some of them.

A woman wearing a headband with bunny ears made out of Union Jacks. She is holding a mug and smiling at the camera.
Street party at St Mary and St John the Divine Church, Balham High Road, SW12 9BS.
A group of people at a table with Union Jack bunting in the front of the shot.
Residents enjoying a street party at Wakehurst Road, SW11.

The Mayor of Wandsworth, Sana Jafri, joined in with a number of local street parties. She said: “It was amazing to see so many local communities host a street party for their neighbours, families and friends to share food, get to know each other better and remember the heroes behind the historic 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.”

The Mayor of Wandsworth stands with a group of residents smiling and enjoying the celebrations at Alma Terrace, SW18.
The Mayor of Wandsworth joins a group of residents enjoying the celebrations at Alma Terrace, SW18.
A group of women chatting with the Mayor of Wandsworth at a street party on Geraldine Road, SW18.
The Mayor of Wandsworth joined several street parties, including this one on Geraldine Road, SW18.

The 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2025 will unite the nation to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.

To mark this important date, we lit up Wandsworth Town Hall in red, white and blue on 6 May and will be flying a Union Jack flag above the building from 5-8 May.

There are also several national VE Day 80 celebrations if you would like to get involved.

A young girl smiling and wearing a headband with Union Jack flags.
Children of all ages joined in the celebrations to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day.
A man wearing a red coat serving food from a large serving dish.
Food was shared between neighbours, families and friends, including at this party on Daphne Street, SW18.

Explore stories from those who experienced the Second World War on our online hub. From the first-hand experiences of a female gunner who helped defend the nation against airborne attacks after her brother’s death at Dunkirk, to memories of VE Day celebrations from a military veteran, we highlight the era’s history from those who were there.

Visit our Second World War online hub.

A girl wearing a red cardigan and white skirt holding a black umbrella.
The rain didn't stop residents of Earlsfield from enjoying the celebrations.
A woman laughing and holding a glass of wine.
Street parties such as this provide a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun!