Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.
The long anticipated news resulted in spontaneous celebrations breaking out across the nation. A national holiday was declared and people from all walks of life came together to mark the moment.
Read how communities in Somerset and Devon marked the end of the conflict and discover more at exhibitions, talks and tours.
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Discover West Country stories of the Second World War at exhibitions, talks, and tours.
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VE Day in Somerset
Somerset people anticipated VE Day by decorating their streets with bunting, flags and streamers.
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VE Day in Devon
People danced in bunting-lined streets, held street parties and attended thanksgiving services.
Read MoreHEADER IMAGE: Messenger with Sea Hurricane pilot, Fleet Air Arm, WRNS at HMS HERON, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, England 1941 by Lee Miller © Lee Miller Archives, Sussex, England 2024. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk