Tower Hamlets Council will host a number of events to commemorate VE Day
Street parties, tea dances, history club and more
Thursday, 8 May, marks 80 years since VE Day, the historic occasion that signified the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The announcement of victory ignited spontaneous celebrations across the nation, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared sense of relief and joy. A national holiday was declared as communities came together to commemorate this momentous day.
This year's milestone anniversary offers a meaningful opportunity for communities in Tower Hamlets to gather, reflect, and honour the generation who experienced and contributed to the Second World War.
Tower Hamlets Council will host a number of events to commemorate VE Day and pay tribute to those who served across the UK and the Commonwealth. Elsewhere, people in the borough will gather at celebratory street parties organised and hosted by tenants and residents’ associations, schools and community organisations.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: "Today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who left their loved ones to fight fascism, and of those who gave their support on the home front. As we reflect on their bravery and resilience, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more peaceful, just and equal world."
Cllr Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “Our VE Day events aim to pay tribute to the thousands of people who gave so much during the fight against fascism in the Second World War. We invite residents to take part in these events to help us keep this important history alive and to honour all those in our community who sacrificed so much.”
VE Day 80 events in Tower Hamlets include:
Victoria Park: Wednesday 7 May, VE Day Street Party/Tea Dance
The team will host a free street party and tea dance for older residents. The event will include 40’s themed live music, food and drink.
East Park V&A building. Time 11.30am – 3.30pm
Tower Hamlets Local History and Archives: Thursday 8 May, East End History Club VE Day special
Drop in at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, between 5.30pm-7.30pm to browse archives documenting what was happening in the borough during the Second World War. Archivists will select highlights from the library’s collections for you to explore in the education room.
Bethnal Green Library: Thursday 8 May 2pm-4pm VE Day celebration
Talk with best-selling author Duncan Barrett, who will be presenting the book ‘Blitz Kids: True Stories from the Children of Wartime Britain’. The book is based on interviews with people who lived through WW2 as children. It tells fifteen of their stories from all over the UK, including some from East London. Refreshments will be provided.
The Art Pavilion, Mile End Park: Thursday 8 May, VE Day and St George’s Day Tea Dance
Older residents can enjoy a free celebration with a big band playing 40’s themed music, food and drink and plenty of dancing.
Advance booking essential
Tower of London: The Tower Remembers
From 6 May, the Tower of London will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a commemorative display of poppies.
The display (which will be inside the Tower walls) will see nearly 30,000 of the original poppies, made for the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, return to the Tower, marking the sacrifices made during the Second World War. The poppies are on loan from Imperial War Museums and were designed and made by the artist, Paul Cummins. The new display has been created by the designer, Tom Piper. It will create a shared space for visitors to remember and reflect on the collective sacrifice.
Tower Hamlets residents can visit the Tower and see the install for £1.
Tower of London website
Visit the events page on the council website for full details of event times and venues
Posted on Wednesday 23rd April 2025