Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her Department has offered local authorities to help facilitate local VE Day 2025 celebrations.

On March 5th, the Government announced a UK-wide programme to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, with a series of events and celebrations that will share stories of the Second World War generation. Commemorations will kick off on Monday 5 May and will include a range of events as well as community activity such as street parties, BBQs and community get-togethers. Local Authorities are encouraged to amplify and support street parties and community activity on Monday 5 May, echoing the celebrations that took place 80 years ago. More information can be found on the Government’s dedicated interactive website: ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

Funding will be made available through the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All for organisations across the UK to bid for grants to host community events, activities and exhibitions to help tell the stories of the Second World War at a local level, ensuring the legacy of the war and its impact on individuals and communities across the country is not forgotten.