On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 2025, Hampshire County Council will proudly raise the Union Flag outside the Great Hall in Winchester in celebration of the Day in 1945 which brought an end to the nearly six years of World War II
This year, 80 years of peace and our collective resilience and unity will be celebrated by communities across Hampshire as we also pay tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today.
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Hampshire Archives has organised a free exhibition, running until 25 June, which explores the role of The King’s Royal Rifle Corps and The Rifle Brigade, both historically based in Winchester, in the lead up to VE Day, highlighting soldiers’ experiences during the final days of World War II in Europe.
On Saturday 3 May and Sunday 11 May, a free guided tour of the Netley Military Cemetery, Royal Victoria Country Park will mark VE Day and War Graves Week.
More information and links to VE Day events in Hampshire, as well as guidance for community celebrations such as street parties, can be found on the County Council’s webpages.