VE Day 80: Celebrating Peace and Remembering Sacrifice Across Berkshire

Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day – a significant moment in our nation’s history. This anniversary offers us the opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served and endured during the Second World War, and to reflect on the peace that followed.

Communities across Berkshire are holding commemorative events throughout early May to mark the occasion. From military flypasts and family-friendly picnics to beacon lighting ceremonies and historical performances, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Key Events Across Berkshire

Military Flypast – Monday 5 May
A major military flypast will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, with aircraft flying over parts of Berkshire including Reading, Bracknell, Windsor, Slough, and Maidenhead, as part of a national route towards Buckingham Palace.

Family Picnic and Trail at Shaw House – Sunday 11 May
Time: 11am–3pm | Free entry, no booking required
Families can enjoy a special VE Day-themed trail, where children collect a ration card and search for clues to earn free sweet rations. There will also be craft activities, access to the historic house and exhibitions, and a display highlighting Shaw House’s role during WWII. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, and the café will be open for light refreshments.
Location: Shaw House, Newbury

Finchampstead VE Day Celebration – Thursday 8 May
Time: 7pm–9pm | Free, no booking required
St James Church will host an evening of celebration, featuring live music, the lighting of a beacon, celebration cake and bubbly. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic.
Location: St James Church, Church Lane, Finchampstead, RG40 4LU

Wokingham Town Hall – Thursday 8 May
Time: 10.30am–2pm
Join the Wokingham Poppy Appeal, Barkham Hookers, and Elusive Brewing at Market Place for a community celebration, including military vehicles, crafts, and poppy displays. At 11am, the Town Mayor will lay a commemorative wreath inside the Town Hall.

VE Day at Riseley – Saturday 10 May
Time: 12 noon–6pm | Free entry
A vibrant day of celebration including live music, face painting, a tug-of-war, craft stalls, a barbecue, tombola, and a cake competition. Bring your own picnic, gazebo and seating.
Location: Riseley Recreation Ground

Foxley Fields, Binfield – Thursday 8 May
A full day of commemorative activities will include:

• 9am: Flag raising
• 6.30pm: Military parade
• Evening: Garden games, food and drink, live music
• 9.30pm: Lighting of the beacon

Bracknell Library Events

• Saturday 10 May, 10am–11.30am: Free eco-craft event for children
• Monday 12 May, 10.30am–11.30am: Historian Ray Smith presents “Glenn Miller and the Role of Music in WWII”

West Berkshire Museum & New Era Players Performances
Performances at West Berkshire Museum on 7 and 8 May will include wartime songs, stories, and anecdotes. The shows will also be staged at New Era Theatre on 9 and 10 May.

Newbury VE Day Celebrations – Thursday 8 May

• 11am: Service at the War Memorial
• Midday: Celebratory lunch (booking required)
• Evening: Beacon lighting at Victoria Park

We encourage residents to attend these events and take part in remembering a pivotal moment in history, while celebrating the strength and resilience of our communities.