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VE Day 80

VE Day 80

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Programmes to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day

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VE Day 80: The Nation Remembers

Summary

Coverage of a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation. Petroc Trelawny provides commentary, while invited guests share their memories. From the BBC's studio in St James's Park, Sophie Raworth is joined by special guests, talking about their experiences of the war years.

Review

David Butcher

We’ve reached the business end of the VE Day celebrations. Today, the BBC’s programmes marking the 80th anniversary come to a head with a pair of contrasting events.

The first is a service from Westminster Abbey that the Dean of Westminster promises will be “a celebration of a nation stepping from deadly struggle into peace”. Petroc Trelawny provides commentary as 1,800 guests — veterans, royals, politicians and charity workers — gather in the Abbey.

Later Zoe Ball hosts a live concert, VE Day 80: a Celebration to Remember, from Horse Guards Parade in central London. Pop stars, actors, Strictly dancers and military musicians will perform in front of more than 12,000 people. Classic songs of the era (expect The White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again) and selected readings will evoke the day the war ended.

Over on ITV1 at 11.15pm (not STV), there’s a more personal angle, with another chance to see Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War, made with her 97-year-old grandfather, Ralph, who was a ship’s signaller in the Royal Navy on D-Day. His memories are moving and their relationship is a joy to see.

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rolenamePresenterSophie RaworthCommentatorPetroc TrelawnyProducerLeah CreaseDirectorTony Grech-SmithExecutive producerMarcus VinerExecutive producerCheryl Ko PearsonExecutive producerCatherine Stirk

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