January 1, 1970

The celebrations begin

Although no public announcement had been made, crowds began to gather outside Buckingham Palace. Eventually, shortly after half past seven in the evening, the Ministry of Information made a short statement: “In accordance with arrangements between the three great powers, tomorrow, Tuesday, will be treated as Victory in Europe Day and will be regarded as a holiday.”

Within minutes, thousands of people began gathering on the streets of central London – in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Parliament Square, while boats on the Thames sounded their horns – to celebrate, dance, string up bunting, flags and streamers, until heavy rain sent them home just before midnight.

The following day…

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The following day, VE Day itself, celebrations erupted throughout the world. From Moscow to Los Angeles, people welcomed the end of war in Europe. In Britain, more than one million people celebrated in the streets – and crowds gathered yet again in London.