VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is one of the most memorable milestones of the twentieth century. Observed on 8 May 1945, it marked the formal surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, ending nearly six years of war across Europe. The war would continue in the Pacific for several more months, but for millions across Britain, France, the United States, and beyond, that May day was the beginning of peace and a return to normal life.
When Winston Churchill made the announcement at 3 p.m., a wave of celebration swept across Britain. Church bells rang for the first time in years, and people flocked into streets and squares, cheering, singing, and hugging strangers. Decorations appeared almost instantly: Union Jack flags in windows, homemade bunting across terraced streets, chalk messages written on pavements, and hastily painted banners celebrating peace. London was filled with crowds outside Buckingham Palace, where the royal family and the Prime Minister appeared on the balcony, while towns and villages across the United Kingdom improvised their own festivities.
What made those celebrations so special was not their extravagance—after all, rationing was still in force and supplies were scarce—but their creativity and symbolism. Decorations became an expression of relief, unity, and hope for the future. Today, almost 80 years later, decorations continue to play a central role in VE Day commemorations. They not only honor the spirit of 1945 but also bring communities together in the present.
The History Behind VE Day Decorations
Image source: pinterest.com
During the war years, Britain lived under strict rationing. Materials such as fabric, paint, and paper were often limited, so families made do with what little they had. When the surrender was announced, people rushed to find anything red, white, and blue that could brighten the streets. Homemade bunting, stitched from old clothes or cut from scraps of fabric, became one of the most iconic symbols. Union Jack flags, sometimes handed down from the First World War, were proudly displayed. Children drew decorations by hand, painting flags and doves of peace.
Street parties became the hallmark of the occasion. In working-class neighborhoods, residents dragged tables and chairs outdoors, creating long communal dining spaces decorated with flowers, flags, and paper chains. The decorations were simple, but they transformed ordinary streets into spaces of shared joy. The symbolism of the red, white, and blue was powerful: it represented victory, national pride, and unity after years of hardship.
Traditional Elements Still Used Today
Image source: pinterest.com
While modern celebrations have access to professional decorations and digital printing, the traditional elements of 1945 remain central:
-
Union Jack bunting and flags: Strung across homes, gardens, and streets, these are still the most common and recognizable decorations.
-
Red, white, and blue color scheme: This palette dominates everything from balloons and streamers to cakes and tablecloths.
-
Banners and posters: Phrases such as “Victory in Europe” or Churchill’s famous “This is your victory” speech often appear in printed or handmade form.
-
Flowers: Seasonal blooms in patriotic colors are used in centerpieces, wreaths, or window displays.
These elements give modern events a direct connection to the atmosphere of the original celebrations.
DIY Decorations: A Personal Touch
Image source: pinterest.com
Part of what made 1945 so memorable was the homemade nature of its decorations. Many families today choose to honor that tradition by creating their own.
Paper bunting remains one of the easiest and most popular options. Triangular flags can be cut from colored paper or recycled materials and strung together on ribbon or string. Children can paint Union Jack designs or add creative twists such as peace symbols and victory slogans. Handmade posters, whether printed from archives or designed anew, also work well for window displays.
Centerpieces provide another opportunity for creativity. Jam jars filled with red, white, and blue flowers, tied with ribbon, are inexpensive yet striking. Families with young children often involve them in making crafts such as paper chains or small flags. This not only keeps traditions alive but also ensures that the celebration feels personal and meaningful.
Outdoor Celebrations and Street Parties
Image source: pinterest.com
Street parties have become synonymous with VE Day, and decorations are at the heart of these gatherings. To create the atmosphere of 1945, long trestle tables can be set up outdoors, covered with tablecloths in patriotic colors. Union Jack bunting stretched across fences or lampposts adds to the festive environment. Large banners with phrases such as “Happy VE Day” or “Peace at Last” can create a central focal point.
Lighting plays an important role when celebrations continue into the evening. Lanterns, candles in jars, or fairy lights in red, white, and blue add warmth and atmosphere. Some communities also project images of flags or wartime posters onto walls and buildings. Music is another decorative element in itself—playing 1940s swing and jazz immediately recalls the soundscape of the time and enhances the overall effect.
Indoor Decorations and Family Gatherings
Image source: pinterest.com
For those who prefer to celebrate indoors, decorations can still transform the occasion. Tableware is one of the simplest ways to introduce a patriotic theme, with Union Jack plates, napkins, and cake toppers widely available. Food itself can serve as decoration—cakes decorated in red, white, and blue icing, trifles layered in patriotic colors, and vintage-style dishes presented on decorative stands.
Photographs and posters can also play a role indoors. Families sometimes create a memory wall featuring relatives who lived through the war, historical photographs from 1945, or famous images of Churchill and the royal family on VE Day. These not only decorate the space but also connect the celebration to its deeper meaning.
Buying Decorations: Modern Convenience
Image source: pinterest.com
Unlike 1945, when everything had to be homemade, modern celebrants can choose from a wide range of ready-made decorations. Online platforms such as Amazon and Etsy sell bunting, balloons, banners, and tableware specifically designed for VE Day. High street party supply shops also stock items in the lead-up to May.
The advantage of buying is convenience and consistency—professionally printed bunting and durable materials can be reused year after year. However, incorporating even a few homemade pieces can provide warmth and individuality that store-bought items lack. Many people choose to combine the two, blending authenticity with practicality.
Budget-Friendly and Eco-Friendly Choices
Image source: pinterest.com
Celebrating VE Day does not require large expense. In fact, many people find creative ways to keep costs low while also reducing waste. Cloth bunting, though more expensive initially, is reusable for years and far more environmentally friendly than plastic alternatives. Mason jars, which might otherwise be discarded, can be turned into lanterns with candles or LED lights. Recycled paper can be used for homemade crafts, and community groups often share decorations and resources, reducing the need for everyone to purchase separately.
This approach echoes the original spirit of 1945, when communities made the most of limited resources. It also aligns with today’s emphasis on sustainability, ensuring that celebrations remain joyful without being wasteful.
Explore More: England Party Decorations: Best Ideas, Inspiration and Where to Buy
Modern Commemorations
Image source: pinterest.com
Over the decades, VE Day has been marked with a variety of commemorations, some large and national, others small and local. The 50th anniversary in 1995 was a major event, drawing crowds across the UK. In 2020, the 75th anniversary occurred under the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet communities still found ways to decorate and celebrate safely. Many households hung bunting in gardens, held socially distanced street parties, and decorated windows with handmade posters.
Schools also play a role in modern commemorations. Children often learn about the history of VE Day and take part in art projects to create decorations. Local councils sometimes organize parades, concerts, and exhibitions, where decorations form part of the visual impact.
Today, decorations range from the traditional to the innovative. Digital projectors can display flags and images on large buildings. LED lighting in red, white, and blue illuminates landmarks. Yet, at the heart of it all, the simple bunting and flags remain as powerful as ever, symbolizing the joy and relief of May 1945.
The 80th Anniversary in 2025
Image source: pinterest.com
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a milestone of extraordinary significance in the United Kingdom and across Europe. Major national events are expected, including services of remembrance, concerts, exhibitions, and community gatherings to honor both the historic victory of 1945 and the generations who lived through the war. Just as in previous milestone years, such as the 50th and 75th anniversaries, decorations will once again play a central role. Union Jack bunting, flags, banners, and red, white, and blue displays are likely to transform public spaces, schools, and homes, echoing the spirit of the original celebrations.
For local communities and families, the 80th anniversary offers an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to reflect. Schools are expected to involve children in crafting posters, learning wartime stories, and designing decorations that connect them to the past. Retailers and party suppliers will almost certainly release special edition packs of VE Day decorations to meet the increased demand. Above all, the 80th anniversary will serve as both a reminder of the sacrifices of 1945 and a living tradition that uses decorations and community spirit to pass those memories on to younger generations.
Conclusion
VE Day is more than just a historical date; it is a reminder of resilience, unity, and peace. Decorations have always been central to the celebration, from the improvised bunting of 1945 to the professionally made banners and creative crafts of today. They transform ordinary spaces into places of remembrance and joy, helping communities and families connect with the meaning of the day.
Whether you hang Union Jack bunting across your garden, set a table with patriotic colors, or involve children in making handmade posters, VE Day decorations allow you to honor history while creating new memories. They are not only festive displays but also living symbols of a moment when the world changed and peace returned to Europe. By celebrating with thought, creativity, and respect, you keep alive the spirit of 1945 and pass it on to future generations.