Photo Gallery: VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations

08 May 2025
Photo of crowds in Hamilton Square
The VE Day Commemoration and Celebration in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead

Events were held across Wirral to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8 May. 

These included a wreath-laying at the Cenotaph, flag-raising with veterans at Wallasey Town Hall, and a service of celebration and commemoration in Hamilton Square.

Celebrations continued at a 1940s-themed tea dance in Wallasey Town Hall and a special VE Day supper at Number Seven Cafe in Birkenhead. 

In an echo of what happened on VE Night 80 years ago, church bells rang out across Wirral and the nation, with the Mayor joining bell ringers at St Andrew’s Church in Bebington to start their peel. 

The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Cherry Povall, said: 

It has been a great honour to be part of so many VE Day celebrations around the borough, and wonderful to see so many people turn out to celebrate together.

Thank you to everyone who attended countless events across Wirral today to remember what the incredible wartime generation achieved. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Photo of the Mayor, Mayoress and veterans raising the VE Day flag at Wallasey Town Hall
The Mayor, Mayoress, and veterans raise the VE Day flag at Wallasey Town Hall
Photo of the Mayor and Mayoress laying a wreath at the Cenotaph
The Mayor and Mayoress laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice
The Mayor and Mayoress visited the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum to view their painting of VE Day celebrations in Hamilton Square
The Mayor and Mayoress viewed the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum's painting of VE Day celebrations in Hamilton Square
Photo of crowds in Hamilton Square
Crowds attended the Civic Service in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
Photo of pipers and drummers playing at the Cenotaph
Wirral Pipe Band entertained the crowds in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
photo of the choir from Birkenhead School at the Cenotaph
Children from Birkenhead School sang 'Peace Prayer'
Photo of dignitaries standing during the civic service in Hamilton Square
The Civic Service in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
Photo of the mayor reading at the Cenotaph
The Mayor of Wirral read a VE Day message given by the Mayor of Birkenhead in 1945
photo of visitors touring the secret wartime tunnels in New Brighton
The Mayor joined visitors on a tour of secret wartime tunnels in New Brighton
Photo of a Lamp Light of Peace on the bar of the Creep Inn in the secret underground tunnels in New Brighton
A Lamp Light of Peace on the bar of the Creep Inn in the secret underground tunnels, New Brighton
Photo of tea dance revelers in 1940s dress
Revelers in 1940s dress at the Mayor's Charity Tea Dance
photo of singers in formal dress
The Bel Canto singers entertained guests at the VE Day tea dance
photo of volunteers at the Number Seven cafe in Birkenhead
Volunteers wore 1940s dress for the VE Day Supper at the Number Seven Cafe in Birkenhead
photo of bell ringers in a church tower
The Mayor joined bell ringers at St Andrew's, Bebington
photo of bell ringers
St Andrew's joined churches and cathedrals across the nation to ring out at 6.30pm on VE Day

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