PREVIEW

**VIDEO AVAILABLE: CONTACT INFO@COVERMG.COM TO RECEIVE**Pictured: The Cenotaph 'dressed' in Union flags early this morning before the start of today’s VE Day-80 events (05/05/2025).

The Cenotaph, the nation’s focal point of remembrance is dressed in Union Flags for the duration of the four-day commemorations, echoing the 1920 unveiling of the monument to the fallen.

From today (Monday 5 May 2025), it will provide a focal point for the commemorations and a place to pay silent tribute to all those who died, both at home and abroad, during the Second World War.

A major military procession and flypast in central London has commenced the United Kingdom’s national commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe – Victory in Europe Day.

The procession comprising of around 1,000 members of the Armed Forces from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and 23 aircraft will from the Royal Air Force flypast.

Ceremonies in Parliament Square will launch the procession as the Armed Forces march up Whitehall, through Admiralty Arch and down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

Second World War veterans will join special guests at the Queen Victoria Memorial to watch the procession.

Seven military bands are involved in the procession, including The Band of The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment on horseback.

The Royal Air Force flypast will include a Second World War-era Lancaster from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and modern aircraft which have recently served on operations protecting the UK around the world.

The flypast will culminate in a spectacular display by The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – The Red Arrows – complete with their iconic red, white and blue smoke.

The UK Armed Forces will also take a leading role in VE Day 80 commemorations in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff.