Britain will soon be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Four days of celebrations have been planned for the UK to mark the landmark anniversary, including a military parade, a flypast and a massive concert featuring some of the biggest and best in music.
The VE Day celebrations will kick off as part of the early May Bank Holiday.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy announced the plans, calling it the perfect way to “pay tribute to those who served in the Second World War and reflect on values they fought for”, adding: “People will be able to hear our veterans’ stories and ensure stories of sacrifice and service are remembered”.
The news has left British workers wondering if they will be allowed any more time off, with any additional bank holidays.
Here is what we know,
What are the plans for VE Day in 2025?
On Monday, May 5, the Cenotaph will be the centre of celebrations.
A military procession will go from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace before a flypast of the Red Arrows and other military aircraft. The Cenotaph will be draped in union flags for the occasion.
On Tuesday, May 6, a poppy installation will be unveiled at the Tower of London.
The following day – May 7 – will see more celebrations as the country unites to mark the official anniversary of then-PM Sir Winston Churchill’s victory broadcast.
Meanwhile, Westminster Hall will host a special concert.
The main VE Day 80 event is slated to then take place on Thursday, May 8, with a service for world leaders and veterans at Westminster Abbey. Later, 10,000 will attend a concert at Horse Guards Parade.
Hundreds of veterans are expected to join the VE Day anniversary celebrations.
Will the UK get a 4-Day Bank Holiday for VE day?
Although four days of celebrations have been planned, there will not be any official extra bank holiday dates declared.
This means the rest of the bank holiday dates for 2025 stay the same as other years, with the dates as follows:
Good Friday - April 18
Easter Monday - April 21
Early May - May 5
Spring - May 26
Summer - August 25
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
Why is it not a bank holiday?
Downing Street told media outlets in November that the four days of celebrations "do not include an additional bank holiday".
A spokesman for the prime minister said: "We we will look to use the existing May Day bank holiday for commemorative events. We are committed to commemorating these nationally important occasions appropriately, which is why we have announced more than £10m to mark them.”
They added there was always an "important balance to be struck" when it came to requests for extra bank holidays, given the "impacts for businesses, services and the broader economy, which need to be taken into account".
