VE (Victory in Europe) Day commemorates the moment on 8 May 1945 when World War II allies accepted Germany's unconditional surrender, ending the war in Europe, and this year marks its 80th anniversary
It 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 street parties.
To celebrate this historic occasion in Harrow, we have organised a series of events and encourage residents to mark the anniversary by holding street parties to bring your neighbourhood together.
Find out how VE Day is being commemorated in Harrow.
Harrow events
VE Day at the Manor | Bank Holiday Monday 5 May | 12pm-5pm | Ticketed event
Join us at Headstone Manor & Museum for a special VE Day celebration of our annual May Day Festival!
Experience a whole heap of engaging activities for both children and adults, from live performances to fairground rides and step back in time with special wartime-themed activities.
The Journey to VE Day, a talk by Ronald Koorm | Greenhill Library | 6 May, 2:30pm-3:30pm | Free, book via Eventbrite
Join the author and historian Ronald Koorm at Greenhill Library as he retraces the dramatic journey to VE Day.
Ronald will explore the turning points in WW2 that made victory possible: the strategy, sacrifice, and secret intelligence that shaped the Allied triumph. He'll also uncover the role of the Commonwealth, the leadership dynamics between Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, and the sobering reality that while Europe celebrated, conflict raged on in the East.
Remembrance service - Town Centre by War Memorial | 8 May, 2pm
A small service is taking place to remember those who fought for our freedom. The service will be led by the Mayor of Harrow.
Life Before Victory: VE Day 80th Anniversary Exhibition | Headstone Manor & Museum | 18 Feb – 25 May | Free
This exhibition reflects on home life during the lead up to VE Day and the return to a pre-war way of life.
Celebrating the Peace: VE Day 80th Anniversary Exhibition | Headstone Manor & Museum | 17 Feb – 25 May | Free
In a continuation of the Life Before Victory VE Day 80th Anniversary Exhibition in our main exhibition room, head upstairs to the Local History Room for a more in depth look at how Harrow commemorated VE day.
Tuesday Talk: WW2 Codebreaking and Deception | Headstone Manor & Museum |17 June, 2pm-3pm | £3 (book in advance)
With guest speaker Ronald Koorm. The talk will explore various examples of people, places, and several events in terms of codebreaking, intelligence and deception, which influenced the outcome of WW2. It will also highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women during wartime. What did we tell our allies, the Americans, and could we really trust them with our secrets? What part did the Commonwealth countries play, in the victory against the enemy? From inventors to codebreakers, to double-agents and more….
Book WW2 Codebreaking and Deception
Street Parties
The deadline to apply for a street closure for a VE Day street party has now passed.
National Events
For more information about national events commemorating VE Day visit the VE Day website