Somerset will honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a packed programme of events in Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet.

From solemn commemorations and beacon lightings to vintage music, exhibitions and community parades, the county will join the nation in remembering the day the Second World War ended in Europe.

Here's where to celebrate VE Day 2025 in Somerset:

Wells: beacon lighting and wartime exhibition

Wells Cathedral Green will be the setting for a beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday 8 May, with a performance from the Wells City Band at 8.30pm. The event is organised by Wells City Council, St Cuthbert Out Parish Council, and the Royal British Legion, and all are welcome to attend.

Inside the cathedral, visitors can explore The Longest Yarn 2—a knitted and crocheted exhibition depicting wartime Britain, created by volunteers from the UK and France. On display until 10 May, it is free with cathedral admission.

Glastonbury: prayers, processions and 1940s swing

Glastonbury will host a day of commemorative events on Thursday 8 May, starting with multi-faith prayers at Market Cross at 8.30am, a Town Crier proclamation and flag-lowering at 9am, and a lone piper at noon.

Later in the evening, a torchlit procession will leave from the Fairfield at 8.30pm, followed by a community VE Day service at 8.55pm.

On Friday 9 May, Glastonbury's Red Brick Building will swing back to the 1940s with a live show from the Shepton Mallet Big Band. Expect a night of big band classics, dancing and vintage glamour. Tickets are £15, and fancy dress is encouraged.

Glastonbury is also home to 'Strength and Resilience: Somerset Women in the Second World War', an exhibition at the Somerset Rural Life Museum. Running until 8 June, it explores the lives of four remarkable Somerset women, including spy Odette Hallowes and photographer Lee Miller. Admission is included with the museum's standard entry.

Photo: Cllr Laura Wolfers

Street: lamp lighting and proclamations

Street Parish Council will mark VE Day 80 with a flag-raising ceremony at 9am outside the Parish Rooms on Thursday 8 May, followed by an official proclamation at Library Gardens.

At 9.30pm, the Lamp Light of Peace will be lit in the Library Gardens and a commemorative tribute will be read, joining communities nationwide in remembering the sacrifices made during the Second World War.

Shepton Mallet: Mid-Somerset Showground to host free community celebration

Shepton Mallet's Mid-Somerset Showground will come alive on Thursday 8 May for a free VE Day celebration featuring live music, classic cars, face painting, vintage military vehicles, a licensed bar and fish and chips.

Organised by the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society, the evening starts at 7pm and ends with a beacon lighting ceremony as part of the national moment of remembrance. No booking required—just turn up.

There's also a prize for best-dressed 1940s outfit and best turned-out vehicle. All classic cars aged 25+ and vintage military vehicles are welcome to join the display.

Organisers said: "We've planned a wonderful line-up for all ages. Whether you're into swing music or Spitfires, there'll be something to enjoy."

VE Day 80 in Somerset: where will you be?

Whether you're joining a formal ceremony, heading out for a night of dancing, or exploring local history exhibitions, Somerset's VE Day 80 celebrations promise a heartfelt tribute to those who served—and a reminder of the enduring strength of community.

Looking for VE Day 2025 events near you? Let us know how you're marking the occasion.