Experiential events agency Identity has helped to
deliver the official VE Day Bank Holiday procession in London, marking eight
decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Working in partnership with the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport, Identity played a key role in leading the full
end-to-end delivery of the event – providing strategic event management, full
overlay of temporary structures, logistical oversight, public safety planning,
and operational control of the day’s commemorative activities.
Members of the royal family, along with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, watch the procession Photo Credit: image suppliedMore than 1,300 members of the Armed Forces,
uniformed services and youth organisations took part in the ceremonial
procession, which began in Parliament Square at midday. The event opened with a
live recitation of Winston Churchill’s historic 1945 speech, before a symbolic
passing of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Torch for Peace from a young
person to 100-year-old Normandy veteran Alan Kennett.
The procession, led by the Household Cavalry
Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, travelled down
Whitehall past the Cenotaph, through Admiralty Arch and along The Mall to
Buckingham Palace. Marching contingents from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines,
British Army, and Royal Air Force, along with cadets and youth groups, followed
in a poignant display of remembrance and intergenerational tribute.
The King and Queen were joined by other members of the royal family in front of the Queen
Victoria Memorial to watch the procession, along with the prime minister Sir
Keir Starmer. Veterans supported by the Royal British Legion and members of the
public lined The Mall to pay their respects. The commemorations concluded with
a spectacular flypast by the Red Arrows and 23 current and historic military
aircraft.
Nationwide, the public have been encouraged to host
VE Day 80 street parties and gatherings as part of the Great British Food
Festival, a community initiative led by the Together Coalition and the Big
Lunch.
Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity, said: “It has been an honour and a privilege
to deliver the Bank Holiday’s official procession on this historic occasion. VE
Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who served in the Second World War, but
also a powerful reminder of how national events can unite communities, inspire
younger generations and preserve vital stories of resilience, sacrifice and
peace. Our team is incredibly proud to have played a part in this national
moment.”
Jonathan Martin LVO, director, project delivery and major events at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day represents
an extraordinary moment for our nation to honour the remarkable generation
who sacrificed so much during the Second World War. But it is
also a reminder of the importance of bringing the country together to
ensure our national story is carried down to the next generation and continues
to inspire people for years to come. I'm grateful to the team at Identity for
their work and support to make this event a success."
