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 provided strategic event management, full overlay of temporary structures, logistical oversight, public safety planning, and operational control of the day’s commemorative activities.
More 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.
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla 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. Our team is incredibly proud to have played a part in this national moment.”
