Some of the UK’s most celebrated actors will join forces this May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a powerful programme of events honouring those who lived through and fought in the Second World War.
Renowned actors Julian Glover, Siân Phillips, and Joseph Mydell will star in a new short film The Next Morning, commissioned by the National Theatre and written by acclaimed playwright James Graham.
Released online on 8 May, the film explores intergenerational reflections on the end of the war, weaving intimate, personal stories that connect young people today with the resilience and experiences of an older generation.
The film will also be accompanied by educational resources for schools to help pass these stories on to future generations.
The commemorations will also feature a live VE Day 80 concert, broadcast on BBC One at 8pm on Thursday 8 May.
Set in the historic setting of Horse Guards Parade, the event will bring together performances, readings, and emotional moments that tell the story of Victory in Europe Day and the nation’s reaction 80 years ago.
More than 12,500 people are expected to attend, including veterans and thousands of young people from organisations such as the Royal British Legion, Uniformed Youth Groups, and Commonwealth Scholars.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “It is absolutely right that we ensure the stories of those who lived through and fought in the Second World War are remembered by generations to come.”
To take these stories nationwide, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will launch the For Evermore Tour – a travelling interactive exhibition bringing the Second World War to life. Starting in Coventry, the tour will visit iconic UK locations and host international events in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. At the heart of the exhibition is the Torch for Peace, symbolising remembrance and the duty to pass on these stories.
This VE Day anniversary forms part of the wider national commemorative programme, which includes a military flypast, a procession, the return of poppies to the Tower of London, and a call for families to rediscover their wartime stories.
For more information, visit: ve-vjday80.gov.uk
