Experiential events agency Identity has helped to deliver the official VE Day Bank Holiday procession in London, marking eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Working in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Identity played a key role in leading the full end-to-end delivery of the event – providing strategic event management, full overlay of temporary structures, logistical oversight, public safety planning, and operational control of the day’s commemorative activities.
More than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces, uniformed services and youth organisations took part in the ceremonial procession, which began in Parliament Square at midday. The event opened with a live recitation of Winston Churchill’s historic 1945 speech, before a symbolic passing of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Torch for Peace from a young person to 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett.
The procession, led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, travelled down Whitehall past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and along The Mall to Buckingham Palace. Marching contingents from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army, and Royal Air Force, along with cadets and youth groups, followed in a poignant display of remembrance and intergenerational tribute.
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla were joined by other members of the Royal Family in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial to watch the procession, along with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Veterans supported by the Royal British Legion and members of the public lined The Mall to pay their respects. The commemorations concluded with a spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military aircraft.
Nationwide, the public have been encouraged to host VE Day 80 street parties and gatherings as part of the Great British Food Festival, a community initiative led by the Together Coalition and the Big Lunch.
Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to deliver the Bank Holiday’s official procession on this historic occasion. VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who served in the Second World War, but also a powerful reminder of how national events can unite communities, inspire younger generations and preserve vital stories of resilience, sacrifice and peace. Our team is incredibly proud to have played a part in this national moment.”
Jonathan Martin LVO, Director, Project Delivery and Major Events at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day represents an extraordinary moment for our nation to honour the remarkable generation who sacrificed so much during the Second World War. But it is also a reminder of the importance of bringing the country together to ensure our national story is carried down to the next generation and continues to inspire people for years to come. I’m grateful to the team at Identity for their work and support to make this event a success.”
The VE Day 80 celebrations honour the service and sacrifice of millions across the UK and Commonwealth, from those who fought on the front lines to those who kept the country going on the Home Front. Through remembrance and celebration, the event ensures their legacy lives on.
We would like to thank all our suppliers, contractors and partners who helped bring the event to life.
