Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day

VE Day is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through a series of national and local events and activities.

Street parties

There are a number of planned street parties taking place in Lewisham over the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 3 - Monday 5 May.

Lewisham Council’s beacon (flambeaux) lighting ceremony

The ceremony will take place on Thursday 8 May, from 7-9pm. The event will be held outdoors, on the grass area outside the Blackheath Gate of Greenwich Park.

The schedule includes a live brass band performance by Lewisham Concert Band at 7pm, followed by the beacon lighting at 8pm, and continued live music until 9pm. Attendees are encouraged to plan for all weather conditions and are welcome to bring their own refreshments or enjoy offerings from local vendors.

Proms and Picnics

Proms and Picnics will take place on Monday 5 May, from 12 noon-2pm. Enjoy live music from Chapel Brass at Beckenham Place Park or the Lewisham Concert Band at Mountsfield Park. Both parks have cafes where you can purchase snacks, or you can bring your own picnic.

Libraries

History talk: VE Day: The Story of Major Leonard Berney 1920-2016 at Deptford Lounge Library, Thursday 8 May from 5pm. Book your space on this free history talk.

Exhibition

There will be an exhibition of photos from VE Days past at the Civic Suite, opening times to be confirmed.

Published on: 10/04/2025