Celebrate, commemorate and reflect with VE and VJ 80 Days in Leeds

This year marks the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day.

Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, marked the unconditional surrender of the German armed forces on May 8 1945 ending nearly six years of fighting in the European theatre of war. 

Fighting in the Far East continued for another three months following VE Day, with Japanese forces surrendering on August 14 1945. The surrender of Japan is known as Victory over Japan Day, or VJ Day. Although VJ Day took place on August 14-15, Japan formally surrendered on September 2 1945, which marked the official end of the Second World War. 

As the country celebrates, commemorates, and reflects on the end of the war, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung will host a civic event at Leeds Minster on the evening of May 10 2025. 

Invited guests include royal representatives and civic leaders from across West Yorkshire, along with diplomats and ambassadors.

The event will feature orchestral, choir, and bagpipe performances, contemporary songs of the war era, and personal stories of Leeds people who contributed to the victory. Focusing on a timeline running through the nearly six years of war, the testimonies will not just examine the stories of those who fought, but contributions from the Women’s Land Army, firefighters, the home front in Leeds, and the contribution of the royal family.  

Music for the event will be provided by the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, The Bridge Ensemble, the Hummingbirds vocal harmony trio, and the Leeds Pipe Band.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “The Second World War was the costliest conflict in human history, fought to defend the freedoms that we still enjoy today. 

“Therefore, it is fitting that we as a city mark the 80^th anniversary of the end of the war not just with solemnity, but by trying to capture the spirit of that time through music and song, and the stories of the many Leeds people who contributed to victory. 

“The anniversary is also a time for reflection on the many sacrifices made during that time and to learn from the strength and resilience of communities that came together for a common cause. 

“I hope you will join me at this special civic event to mark the achievements of a very special generation of people who gave their all for our freedom.”

The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “The Second World War was a pivotal moment in world history and Leeds and its people made a critical contribution to the war effort. 

“Thousands of men and women from Leeds contributed by joining the armed forces and auxiliary organisations. Others by keeping the country fed, with power, heat, and transport, and safe from the threatened invasion through organisations like the Women’s Land Army, the ‘Bevin Boy’ miners, and the Civil Defence Service.

“As a city, we can be proud of the role our citizens played in delivering victory over tyranny, and it is only right that we mark the occasion with a civic event to celebrate their achievements, commemorate their sacrifices, and reflect on the lessons of a war that changed the world.”

The VE/VJ Day 80 Leeds event takes place at 7:30pm on May 10 at Leeds Minster. Tickets are £5 with all proceeds being donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, however, concessions are available. You can book your ticket by visiting: https://www.leedstickethub.co.uk/whatson-event/80th-anniversary-of-ve-vj-day-commemoration-concert/

In addition to the civic event, the Lord Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, will also attend a short service at the War Memorial in Victoria Gardens, Leeds, at 11am on Thursday May 8 2025, to lay wreaths and remember the contributions of all those who served and gave their lives in the Second World War. 

The public has also been invited to submit any photographs they may own of the VE and VJ Day celebrations in Leeds to a new collection on the Leeds Libraries historical photo platform, ‘Leodis’. Photography can be submitted by emailing localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk. If people need help digitising their images, librarians can help at the weekly digital drop-in sessions at community hubs. Details of the drop-in session can be found at https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/digital-drop-ins

For residents looking to hold a street party, Leeds City Council will, where possible and appropriate, support and administer a scheme to allow neighbours to formally close their street to facilitate a VE & VJ street party event. Applications would need to be received on or before 15^th April 2025 for the application to be administered and to be processed in time. More details about closing your road can be found at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/licences-and-permits/play-streets  

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