Thousands of schoolchildren to join landmark event marking VE Day 80th anniversary

More than 100,000 schoolchildren will come together for a landmark event commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The Great Big Live Assembly will include inspiring stories, historical insights, and messages of gratitude from veterans, historians, and special guests.

The event aims to ensure that new generations understand the importance of VE Day and its lasting impact on the .

Children from 600 schools are expected to take part in a live streamed act of remembrance and gratitude, organisers say.

It will include an interview with 108-year-old Frank Chester, a veteran of Operation Overlord and of submarine hunting in the Arctic Convoys.

Following the live stream, children will engage with the anniversary through quizzes and follow-up activities. Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster of VE Day 80, said: "This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the 8th of May, and the country will come together to commemorate the millions who sacrificed their lives at home and abroad so that we would live in freedom.

“I encourage every primary school to take this brilliant opportunity to hear from one of our few surviving veterans so that their story can be passed down to the generation who will be responsible for peace in the future.”

Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that advocates for those who have fled warzones around the world, is hosting the Great Big Live Assembly alongside 16 year old Scarlett Archer from Sky News’ FYI programme.

READ MORE:

Dr Kandiah says: “VE 80 is a unique moment for us as a nation to look back at the courage and compassion of those who gave up so much for the peace we enjoy today. By hearing from children impacted by war we show that sadly war is not history for many children, but current reality.”

“As the number of those who served in World War II diminishes, it becomes our responsibility to keep their stories alive.

“By bringing young people into the heart of this commemoration, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”