Victory in Europe Day: Sunderland marks 80th Anniversary of end of war
Written by Rubie McKeever-Smith on 8th May 2025
Sunderland is today commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the day Germany surrendered to the allied powers and World War II came to an end.
Celebrations began at 9am this morning with the VE Day flag raised at City Hall.
After this Keel Square travelled back in time as it was filled with authentic World War II vehicles.
The Women’s Institute was also being celebrated in the Pavilion, with a charitable cake sale, tombola, craft demonstrations and the chance to learn about its history.
The Women’s Institute was also being celebrated in the Pavilion, with a charitable cake sale, tombola, craft demonstrations and the chance to learn about its history.
At 2pm, the major wartime sacrifices were commemorated with a two-minute silence, a tradition that originated after the First World War to honour those that served and suffered.
Today’s silence was held as a sign of respect for the 384,000 UK soldiers and 70,000 civilians lost during World War II.
Later a street party was held in Keel Square, which was filled with dance troops, live music, a classic Punch and Judy show, stilt walkers, and face painters.
Sunderland Minster Thanksgiving Service is this evening celebrating the men and women of Sunderland who made the peace possible.
And there will also be a special VE Day concert at The Fire Station at 7pm, hosted by Alfie Joey, and including readings, music from the 40s and vintage singers.
To end the day, at 9.30pm, there will be the Lighting the Lanterns of Peace. This is to represent the light after the darkness of war. Monuments across Sunderland will illuminate in solidarity.
Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Sunderland coming together at this significant time, 80 years since the end of World War 2 in Europe. It is important that we take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices as well as the resilience of those who have gone before us.”
