The Latest Breaking News from VE Day

While some were relishing their first hot meal after five years as PoW, others struggled to rejoice in celebrations

Events to take place against backdrop of Ukraine conflict, rises in defence spending and US foreign policy shift

Events are taking place around the country to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, will light a candle of peace.

Ten-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of wartime prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, will light a candle of peace

Alexander Churchill, 10, will take part in a thanksgiving service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.

Second World War artefacts including a gas mask and an air raid warden’s helmet will be processed through Westminster Abbey for the 80th anniversary.

Victoria Crowe’s work will be celebrated in an exhibition later this year.

The country is set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday May 8 - and you’ll be able to raise a glass to mark the occasion

Letters: On the anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe, JK Forster-Walmsley says a weariness seems to have set in about current conflicts, especially Gaza. Plus letters from Adrian Hackford, Bill McMellon, Anne Maclennan and Nizam Uddin

From street parties to flypasts, the myriad events of VE Day – which this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of victory in Europe – take place against the backdrop of grand wartime narratives. These include accounts of military strategy, major battles and political decisions made by global leaders. Central to…