The annual Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) celebration marks the date Imperial Japan surrendered to the Allies. On August 15, eighty years ago, the Second World War ended for all.
While fighting in Europe stopped on May 8, 1945, troops continued to battle in Japan and the Far East for months after. When the guns stopped in Japan, jubilant crowds gather across the capital to celebrate, with parties continuing well into the early hours.
Today, the country commemorates the sacrifices of British troops with a customary two-minute silence held at midday. The Red Arrows will also join a Spitfire and Hurricane for a fly past, set to be broadcast on BBC One.
Other celebrations will be underway across the capital for those want to pay tribute to those who served in the Far East and Pacific, or for those who wish to reflect and learn about the sacrifices made by more than 90,000 British troops in the eastern theatre.
Here are some of the festivities taking place for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. This page will be updated as more events are announced.
Marching Orders VJ Day tour
National Army Museum
The National Army Museum is holding a “family-friendly gallery tour” exploring some of the key events in the Far East during the war. The museum is one of London’s best places to learn about the history of the British Army. Visitors will learn and connect with the histories of those who experienced VJ Day and everything that came before it. Its free to attend and will run for two days over August 13-15. There’s no need to book, but tour times and more information can be found on the museum’s website.
Clapham South: Subterranean Shelter
The London Transport Museum is launching a re-vamped version of its underground shelter tour for VJ Day. The 75-minute experience, which begins at Balham Hill in Clapham, explores London’s eight deep-level shelters. Built in the 1940s, the guided tour takes you beneath the capital’s streets, bringing wartime history to life. In situ are real wartime artefacts and the chance to hear first-hand testimonials, including those from the first Caribbean migrants arriving on the Empire Windrush. Tickets are available from August 6-13 with prices starting at £35 via the website.
The London Transport Museum’s Clapham South: Subterranean Shelter exhibition and tour
London Transport Museum
Battle of Britain bunker tour
At the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, visitors can participate in a commemorative tour of a site that was once the headquarters of the No.11 Group Fighter Command. A two-minute silence will also be observed in the museum’s memorial garden on August 15. Tickets are available for £12.50 via the website.
Chingford Royal British Legion Commemoration Weekend
In east London, the Chingford Royal British Legion has planned a weekend of events. Activities include bingo, karaoke, quizzes, refreshments, and a wreath laying ceremony. There will also be a Community Family Funday, which requires no booking and is open to everyone. Events run from August 15-17.
London in the Second World War
The London Archives has been running its “London in the Second World War” exhibition for a number of months now, with the free event open until early 2026. It’s still very much worth a visit this VJ Day for access to real damage maps, personal diaries, rarely seen artworks, photographs, and testimonials from those who lived in London and other cities at risk of bombing. Tickets are free and available via the link below.
Many local churches across the capital will be holding VJ Day services to commemorate the end of the Second World War. Many are worth exploring, but one in particular looks special, which will be held at St Bartholomew’s in West Smithfield. The parish church is hosting the Reverend Canon and Rt Hon. The Lord Biggar, with food and drinks to follow the 7pm service.