[250508] VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations in Cornwall : 8 May, county-wide

May 8, 2025
various locations

On the 8^th May, the country is celebrating 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

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

We encourage everyone to take part and gather in the streets, gardens, town and city halls, clubs and pubs, and at home too, and be part of this anniversary providing a day of joy, reflection, and celebration, as part of the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion people, reaffirming our commitment to world peace, ensuring future generations understand and cherish its value.

We’ve collated information on just some of the events that will be taking place across Cornwall this May 8^th.

Getting Started

There is an overarching VE/VJ Day schedule across the country this May 8^th, the day will be structured as follows:

9:00am: Town Criers will undertake the VE Day Proclamation as the VE Day 80 flags are raised

12:00pm (noon): Pipers will play a unique tune especially written for the occasion entitled ‘Celebratum’ from the top of the UK’s four highest Peaks

6:30pm: Cathedrals and Churches will ring out in united celebration throughout the nation,

9:30pm: Thousands of beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace will shine throughout the United Kingdom, with the flames from them both, representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war, along with the nation coming together to sing the great British Hymn ‘I Vow To Thee My Country, standing side by side in gratitude, honouring the many sacrifices that secured our freedom.

List of links to notable Events & their locations:

• Callington: Civic Service and Cream Tea with Sing-A-Long
• Camborne:
  • Camborne Town Council Celebrations
  • VE Day 80 Service of Commemoration
• Falmouth:
  • VE Day 2025 at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
  • The Moor & Pendennis Castle VE Day 80 years celebrations
• Helston:
  • VE Day Tregonning Hill Exhibition
  • Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery and Museum
  • Ring for VE Day
• Perranporth: Tywarnhayle Inn
• Penzance/St.Just: With National Trust / Simon Hocking
• Tintagel: Big Lunch Event
• St. Austell: Charlestown beacon lighting
• St. Dennis: Working Men’s Club VE Day 80 years celebrations
• St. Mawes Castle
• St.Ives: VE Day Commemorations

Not where you live? Search for an event near you.

Voluntary & Community Organisations, Get involved in VE/VJ Day celebrations!

There’s still time for you and your organisation to join in the #VEday celebrations. Here are some ideas how to get involved: Voluntary & Community groups VE Day ideas flyer