VE Day memories from Saga Magazine readers

May 8, 1945, marked the long-awaited end of World War II in Europe – a day forever remembered as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of this historic event with a programme of events across the UK.

Across Britain, the mood was electric. Streets filled with music, dancing, and the collective relief of a country that had endured six years of war. It was a moment of shared joy, poignant memories and the beginning of a new chapter.

We’ve gathered some of our readers’ personal stories from VE Day to offer a touching glimpse into the jubilant mood of the nation. These accounts remind us not only of the historic turning point but of the resilience, humour, and spirit that carried people through the hardship of World War II.

Dancing for joy

Christine Sleath, Derbyshire

"I’m 86 and can remember VE Day quite well.

"We danced around the garden and I had plaits in my hair with red, white and blue ribbons.Our next-door neighbours lived with us when their house was bombed. We were so lucky to escape.

"I was never frightened during the war and found getting up in the night in my siren suit and going to the Anderson shelter quite exciting."

Union Jacks were out in force

Graeme Stewart, Edinburgh

“I was 11 years old on VE Day.

My outstanding memory is the Union Jack our local joiner slung across his garden attached to a big Monkey Puzzle tree at one end and a smaller tree at the other.

"I had no picture of it but a few years ago I got a good friend artist to do a painting using a photograph of the house and my verbal description (above). 

"The location is Knockando, in Speyside."

Handmade patriotism on the streets of London

Anna Shorey, Channel Islands

“I was eight years old. My family had a flower shop in Brixton and I was charged with selling red, white and blue buttonholes for one and threepence each. All transactions were added in my head. They were so popular we had a policeman controlling the queue.

“Later the whole area in front of Brixton Town Hall was a heaving mass of people celebrating and singing. As young as I was I was aware of the momentous meaning of the occasion, this peace that was an unknown experience.

“Later I was to experience war in Cyprus, Biafra and Egypt, but VE Day stays with me still.”

The ultimate symbol of freedom and joy

Ann Barrington, Oxon 

“As a very small child in 1940 I was evacuated to Somerset with my mother and elder sister. We were on a farm, and the nearest school was three miles away.

“In 1944, we came home to Basingstoke. It was on a flight path much used by the Luftwaffe, which had originally caused our evacuation. I didn’t remember home, nor did I remember my father, who was now back with us. He was a stranger, and I was wary of him, as he scolded a lot and was very strict.

“However, on 8 May 1945, all that changed. My father had decided to make… a kite!

“Octagonal shaped and red, white and blue. The red came from a medical blanket, the white from a sheet and the blue from the lining of curtains which had been replaced with black curtains during the Blitz. The line was fishing twine, and we kids made dozens of newspaper ties which were fixed to the tail to give it weight.

"On VE Day we launched the kite, and all of us plus neighbours were there – cheerful and happy, with my father as I’d never seen him before: enjoying the fun and being – a father. That’s what I remember most about VE Day.”

An unforgettable time

June Robbins, Weston-Super-Mare

I vividly remember VE Day. At that time, our home was very close to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. My dad worked in the college, which I guess is why my mum, my sisters, Eileen and Sylvia, and I were invited to the VE Day celebration.

We all shared a wonderful day. It was so well organised with sports put on for us. I won a first in a running race, we had games– three-legged race being one – and Silvia was chosen to present the mayoress with a bouquet of flowers.

Yes, a great day never to be forgotten.

A child of the celebration

Sonia Copland, East Sussex

“On the 60th anniversary of VE Day, my Mother, quite a private person, let slip that I was conceived on VE Day! Apparently, she was 37 with my two older sisters then aged seven and four.

"My mother was seen in those days to be an older mother so my aunt lent her all her recently used maternity clothes. It was quite a brave decision for my mother, as giving birth to my middle sister, there was absolutely no pain relief. 

"I am so proud my mother decided to go for it before it was too late!

"It sounds like a different world. Sweets were still on ration until I was five.”