Winston Churchill victory speech to be broadcast in public places to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day

Winston Churchill‘s wartime victory speech will be broadcast in public spaces across the country as part of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe, including a display by the Red Arrows and a Battle of Britain memorial flight above Buckingham Palace.

At 3pm, an extract from Churchill’s speech announcing the end of war will be played across the UK, while veterans will attend a service of thanksgiving held at Westminster Abbey.

The traditional May Day bank holiday has already been shifted to 8 May to mark the historic moment, which commemorates the anniversary of the Allies accepting the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Pubs will also stay open an extra two hours for the commemoration, allowing landlords to remain open until 1 am on 8 and 9 May.

A group of people look down at Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) is celebrated on May 8 every year to mark the unconditional surrender of German troops in 1945 – the signing of the document by General Alfred Jodl effectively ended World War II in Europe. We look back at some moments from that historic occasion.

Mr Johnson said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.

“No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad.

“This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did – both for those alive today, and for future generations.

“And by commemorating these moments, we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace, and the need for us all to collectively uphold this.”

Catherine Davies, head of remembrance for the Royal British Legion, urged anyone who contributed to the war effort, including those who served on the home front and in the emergency services, to to take part.

She said: “To mark the anniversary of VE Day this year, the Legion is calling on communities across the UK to come together to honour the Second World War generation and recognise the scale of service and sacrifice made by those both at home and overseas.”

Parisians take to the streets to celebrate VE Day in France.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) together with their daughters Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) in Ats Uniform and Princess Margaret Rose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace waving to crowds.

Former President of the French Republic, Charles de Gaulle among the crowd of Parisians during the celebration.

Prisoners of a Nazi concentration camp in Dachau, Germany, wave in joy after being liberated by the U.S. Army.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill with American President Dwight D. Eisenhower in London, England.

Red Army soldiers dump Nazi banners at the foot of Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow.