Cardiff paid a striking tribute to one of the most significant moments in modern history as the city marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a vibrant programme of events steeped in celebration, remembrance, and community spirit. At the centre of the commemorations, Cardiff Castle was illuminated in red on the evening of Tuesday, May 6, as part of a national initiative to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe. The dramatic lighting stood as a bold symbol of both remembrance and resilience, reflecting the city’s collective gratitude for the peace that followed years of global conflict.
Earlier in the week, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, Cardiff Castle’s historic grounds were transformed into a hub of family-friendly festivities as part of a free celebration picnic. Organised by Cardiff Council with support from the Welsh Government, the event ran from 11am to 5pm and welcomed residents and visitors alike to bring picnics, blankets, and good cheer. The day offered an eclectic mix of live music from the bandstand, walkabout performers, circus acts, puppet shows, and children’s crafts, providing entertainment for all ages.
Adding a historical dimension, the Firing Line Museum of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards and The Royal Welsh displayed artefacts from the Second World War, alongside a playful showcase of remote-controlled miniature tanks. This picnic celebration formed part of the Great British Food Festival campaign, led by the Together Coalition, which encouraged communities across the UK to honour VE Day with local picnics, street parties, and shared moments of reflection. While the celebrations looked forward with joy, they also looked back with reverence.
The Museum of Cardiff, located on The Hayes in the city centre, hosted a special exhibition titled Victory Days, which ran from Friday, May 2 to Saturday, May 10. This poignant exhibition shone a light on how Cardiffians marked VE Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day eight decades ago. Through personal memories and wartime mementos—including bunting flown in Llandaff in 1945 and a programme from Heath Park’s original VE Day celebration—the exhibition offered a window into a city on the cusp of peace.
Among the stories featured was Cynthia’s recollection of attending dance classes with friends during the war, wearing a dress made from parachute silk. Another, from Ann, painted a vivid picture of a VE party in Bangor Street, complete with her mother’s inventive wartime sandwiches made from mashed parsnips and banana essence. Across Cardiff, residents also organised community street parties, echoing the spontaneous celebrations of 1945.
Thanks to a one-off funding initiative made possible by a favourable budget settlement, the Council waived the usual road closure fees for non-commercial events—encouraging neighbours to come together in the true spirit of VE Day. Speaking ahead of the commemorations, Councillor Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, reflected on the enduring importance of VE Day: “VE Day marks the end of nearly six years of war, at the cost of millions of lives. It’s a significant event in our shared history and one that should be remembered.
This could be one of our last opportunities to honour our living veterans who made such sacrifices and fought so bravely for freedom and democracy. Revisiting residents’ stories through the Victory Days exhibition, lighting Cardiff Castle’s walls in red, and inviting the city to come together with friends and family in its iconic heart was Cardiff’s way of offering them our thanks and respect. I hope communities across the city joined us in peace and unity to mark this important anniversary.” As Cardiff turned red in tribute and its streets filled with music, memories, and community spirit, the city stood united—not just to commemorate the past, but to celebrate the peace and connection that continued to bind its people together.