80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE80) street party information

On Thursday 8 May 2025, the nation will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

Join the national celebrations by hosting your own community street party in Westminster on Monday 5 May.

If you are thinking of holding a street party, you can find information below to help you plan your event and also submit an application to us.

Guide to organising your street party

VE80 street parties are:

• community events in a residential street, for residents and neighbours only
• organised by a Resident Association or group of residents with the full support of neighbours
• free to attend, and not commercial or sponsored and at which food, drink or other items are not for sale.

Advice on organising a successful street party.

Let your neighbours know

Please let everyone on your street know about your plans as early as possible. Posting a letter through neighbour’s doors is an opportunity to share your plans, request their involvement and invite them to the event. It should include:

• the event date
• the start and end time including set up and derig
• the event location marked on a map
• a map of any proposed road closure including timings highlighting when vehicles cannot be moved
• information about the event including food and drink, music, entertainment, bunting and street decoration
• the opportunity to feedback or ask questions, or ask for help in organising the event
• your contact details as the event organiser.

Download a template letter for residents:

Applying for a road closure

If you are looking to hold your party in the street, for example, to host people, tables, chairs and so on, you will need to close the road. Once you have submitted your application, an officer will contact you to assist with this.

Risk assessments and insurance

We can help with your risk assessment, which you need to carry out to ensure your event is safe.

We would also recommend Public Liability Insurance to cover yourselves as the event organisers and the public, in the event of any issues. These can be purchased directly from most insurance companies.

Apply

Please submit your application at the link below:

Apply to hold a VE Day street party

Please note applications to host a street party will close on Friday 4 April 2025.

If you have any questions before hosting a street party, get in touch by emailing: eventsandfilming@westminster.gov.uk

What else should I think about?

Below you can find some general things to think about when hosting a street party.

We've also created some more advice on how make your party a success, including information about food hygiene, allergens, power supplies and licensing.

Food and drink

Food may well be the highlight of your street party as neighbours come together to enjoy each other’s dishes.

Please be mindful of allergies and encourage people to ask about the ingredients if they are unsure. Find more advice about food hygiene and allergens.

If you plan to cook or BBQ on the street, please let us know in advance and we will help you to ensure it is safe.

Please avoid using glass on street for everyone’s safety.

Music

Please be mindful of others by keeping noise levels within comfortable limits and not playing music too late.

Vehicles

Try to avoid suspending parking bays for your event, by encouraging neighbours to move their cars for the day or where possible, choosing to set up in an area without parked cars.

Make sure you check ahead for any important appointments, deliveries, construction work, house moves or anything else that will be impacted by your road closure.

Emergency vehicle access

You must keep a clear route for emergency vehicles to access the street during your street party. Tables, chairs and any other equipment must be able to be moved quickly if the emergency services need access.

Entrances to all premises on your road must also remain unblocked with space for people to move freely up and down the street.

Weather

We are all hoping for a sunny bank holiday, but if it’s windy or raining please secure your event furniture with weights or ties and ensure any electrical equipment is waterproof.

More about VE80 Day

If you would like the Lord Mayor of Westminster to attend your street party, please email us at lordmayorsoffice@westminster.gov.uk

Find out more about the day on the VE80 Day official websites

• VE-VJ Day
• Together Coalition's VE80 Day