This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The day marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces, bringing the Second World War to a close.
It was a day people had longed for almost six years and this was evident when around 50,000 celebrated the momentous day in Piccadilly Circus.
The Second World War officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland.
It then lasted until both the Germans and the Japanese had surrendered to the Allies in 1945.
The then Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the nation at 3pm that day that the war was over.
And following the end of the war, the day was declared a national holiday.
This year, the 75 anniversary of VE day falls on Friday May 8.
The Queen will lead the nation in marking the occasion with a televised address to the country.
The pre-recorded message will form part of a special programme on May 8 commemorating the sacrifices of the Second World War generation.
After the broadcast, the public will be invited to join a moment of celebration by taking part in a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn's wartime anthem We'll Meet Again.
The early May Bank Holiday, which usually takes place on the first Monday of the month, has been moved to May 8 this year.
The move was announced in June by Business Secretary Greg Clark.
He said the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel would be honoured and remembered, alongside those who safeguarded the Home Front.
It is only the second time in history that the date has been moved, with the first being to mark the 50th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in 1995.
