Victory in Europe Day 2025

Royal Engineers Museum Activities

The Royal Engineers Museum will be open to the public and free to enter between 2pm to 5pm on Thursday, 8 May for family activities, food and music.

Beacon Lighting for Victory in Europe Day 

On Thursday, 8 May at 9:30pm, watch as searchlights illuminate the sky across Medway in a stunning tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Unlike traditional fire beacons, these powerful beams can be seen from up to 4.5 miles away.

Want to mark the occasion with others? Join one of the beacon lighting events listed below.

Slough Fort - 7pm to 10pm on Thursday, 8 May - Free to attend

Celebrate VE Day with 1940s music from the Peninsula Big Band, a bugler’s Last Post, and beacon lighting at 9:30pm. Enjoy food, a bar, and vintage military vehicles. Make sure to dress in 1940s style to embrace the era!

After the beacon, live musket fire will salute those who served. Don’t miss this special evening of history and remembrance! Find out more.

Hoo Beacon Lighting and Fete - Kingshill Recreation Ground in Hoo - Thursday, 8 May from 7:45pm - Free to attend 

Enjoy an evening of heartfelt tributes and celebrations featuring music by the City of Rochester Pipe Band, a Parade of Veterans, and a beacon lighting ceremony with tributes from 9:30pm.

Celebrations in Rochester - Parade and Cathedral Service

Join us on Rochester High Street at 4:50pm on Thursday, 8 May for a military parade to mark this special occasion. The parade will begin at Almon Place, from where the Royal Engineers, veterans and cadets will march to the war memorial.

Rochester Cathedral is marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special service beginning at 5:30pm. There will be wreath laying following the service. The service is open to the public but is expected to be very busy. Please arrive early to guarantee a seat. 

The bells will ring for “Together We Chime - Let the Nation’s Bells Ring Loud!” after the wreath laying. Our spire will be lit in red, white and blue to commemorate this historic anniversary.

Other Events

Fort Amherst's World War II Experience

From Monday, 28 April to Monday, 5 May, Fort Amherst will host WW2-themed tours and activities. Highlights include themed tours, an exhibition of "Then and Now" images, and WW2-themed catering and music. Local school children will also contribute celebratory bunting designs.

On Monday, 5 May, Fort Amherst will be hosting a VE Day Knees Up, celebrating like it's 1945! Events are ticketed. Find out more here.

Victory in Europe at the Guildhall Museum - WWII Storytelling

Sat, 10 May, Sat, 17 May,  Fri, 30 May, Thurs, 14 Aug and Fri, 15 Aug  

11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day, learn about life during the war in Rochester with our historical interpreter. See ordinary household items from the War years and hear some wartime tales of real local families.

Admission Fees Apply.

Half Term Family Crafts and VE/VJ Day Bunting at the Guildhall Museum

Tues, 27 May to Fri, 30 May, 10am to 4pm

Help make VE day bunting to commemorate VJ day in August.

Street Parties

Lower Stoke Car Park - Saturday, 10 May, 1pm to 4pm

Enjoy a VE Day Street party featuring children's entertainment, party food, cream teas, a petting corner, 'special visitors' from the Grain Coast Crafty Alpacas farm, soft play equipment, old-fashioned street games, an ice cream van and a live DJ. 

Street Parties in Medway

There will be 13 street parties all across Medway to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.