Image credit: Getty/Sergio Amiti
A two-minute silence, an address by the King and a flypast are just some of the events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day.
On 15 August 1945, Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Second World War was finally over.
Millions of people took part in parades and street parties, but there was also great sadness. The human cost had been enormous — more than 30,000 British troops died in the war against Japan with a further 37,500 held as prisoners of war.
King George VI spoke to the nation saying: “Japan has surrendered, so let us join in thanking Almighty God that war has ended throughout the world, and that in every country, men may now turn their industry, skill, and science to repairing its frightful devastation and to building prosperity and happiness.”
Commemorations will begin on the evening of 14 August with a spectacular sunset ceremony at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London.
A moving lightshow will be projected onto the gates, telling the story of people from around the world who served and died in the Far East campaign.
Events on VJ Day itself will start at dawn, with military bagpipers performing the lament Battle’s O’er at the Cenotaph, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.
This will coincide with a remembrance moment at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the end of the war.
The King will make an address to the nation. The pre-recorded audio message will be released by Buckingham Palace during the morning.
Government buildings and High Commissions across the globe will also be lit up to commemorate VJ Day.
The King and Queen will attend a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, along with Second World War veterans and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The ceremony begins at 11:55am and will include a national two-minute silence at noon.
It will be accompanied by a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the Armed Forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring the Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts.
Prince Edward and Sophie will attend a service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.
“The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.”
The BBC will broadcast VJ Day 80: The Nation's Tribute, live from the memorial ceremony from 11:30am on BBC One. It will be available on iPlayer.
Also on BBC One and iPlayer, The One Show at 7pm will be live from the National Memorial Arboretum for a special episode sharing powerful stories from veterans.
BBC News will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with extensive coverage across TV and digital platforms. The News at Six and Ten will be live from the Arboretum and there will be special features running throughout the day.
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