Brits planning to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month are in for a treat, with pubs staying open longer and concerts taking place.
The Prime Minister has ordered that pubs and bars that usually close at 11pm can keep serving for an extra two hours on Thursday, May 8.
The long night of celebrations will cap off a week of commemorative events 80 years after the Second World War came to an end on May 8, 1945.
Sir Keir Starmer said of the plan: ‘As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.
‘Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.’
When is the VE Day bank holiday?
While Victory in Europe (VE) Day is officially May 8 – the date the Second World War came to an end in 1945 – commemorations will kick off on the May bank holiday from Monday May 5.
Celebrators will be able to see the Cenotaph draped Union flags, as well as a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
May day also promises an RAF flypast over London.
That Thursday on May 8, there will be a party at Horse Guards Parade showed live on BBC One.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said the industry is looking forward to a boost from the extended pub hours.
He added: ‘As someone with a strong family background in the armed forces, I know how vital it is to honour the legacy of those who served.
‘VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity for communities to come together.
‘At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history.’
How else will the UK mark VE Day's 80th anniversary?
Monday May 5
Union jacks will be draped over the Cenotaph and a military procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
Street parties will be held across the country on the bank holiday.
Tuesday May 6
The moving display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, first installed to mark the centenary of the First World War in 2014, will return to the historic fortress.
Wednesday May 7
A Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert will be held in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Parliament Choir.
Thursday May 8
A service will take place at Westminster Abbey which will serve as both ‘an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war’.
A concert will also take place at Horseguards Parade to mark the end of commemorations.
Friday August 15
Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Royal British Legion will partner with the government to honour those who died in the war in the Far East.
This is not the first time pub opening hours have been relaxed for major UK celebrations.
Opening hours were extended last summer when England’s football aces reached the semi-finals of the Euros.
The team even made it one step further to the final against Spain – only to crash out 2-1.
The government has also hinted it could open boozer doors open until 1am if one – or both – of the English and Welsh women’s football teams make it to the semis of the Women’s Euros this summer.
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Pubs were also allowed to stay open until 1am during King Charles’ coronation weekend in May 2023.
That decision came after a month-long consultation, during which 77% of the public backed extending closing time for two hours beyond the normal 11pm.
The Licensing Act 2003 gives senior politicians the power to relax licensing hours on occasions of ‘exceptional national significance’.
Normally, pubs would have to apply to their local councils to extend their licensing hours.
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