Thursday 8th May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, while 15th August 2025 is the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day. In honour of these big anniversaries, Hertfordshire’s historic attractions and towns will be throwing a whole host of experiences, memorials and more to help celebrate the end of the Second World War and commemorate those who lost their lives.
De Havilland Aircraft Museum
It was here on the site of the De Havilland Aircraft Museum where the very first prototype of The Mosquito was designed and hand built. Within a year the plane was tested, with deliveries made to the RAF and additional production lines set up in Canada. Visit the museum and you’ll have the chance to learn about founder Geoffrey de Havilland, see Britain’s first aviation collection, and enter the cockpit of a real Mosquito.
St Albans Cathedral VE Day Dance
10th May
Following in the footsteps of those who took to the streets to celebrate the end of the war 80 years ago, St Albans Cathedral will be putting on a show with celebrations and a dance in the Nave. Enjoy drinks and dessert before putting your best foot forward to dance the night away to vintage tunes performed by the Fleetville Swing Band. So what are you waiting for? Set those victory rolls and prepare to celebrate.
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Just up the road in the heart of the city, St Albans Museum + Gallery has a brand-new display, which shares the stories of the locals who lived through the Second World War. And on 10th May local community choir The Monday Choir will be performing in the museum’s Assembly Room, singing wartime songs at free performances for the whole family to enjoy.
Hertford Castle
8th May 2025
Hertford Castle’s historic grounds will be the perfect setting for a true celebration on VE Day. Bring along your picnic blanket, round up the family and join The Mayor of Hertford for an evening of live music, fish and chips and celebration. After an evening of performance, the beacon will be lit, with a tribute and commemoration to those who lost their lives.
Dacorum
There will be a whole host of events to commemorate VE Day and VJ Day in Dacorum. Starting on 8th May, a joint event will be held with the Royal British Legion at Boxmoor War Memorial, while street parties will be kicking off throughout the region. Tring Memorial Gardens and Gadebridge Park will also be taking centre stage with two brand new 80th anniversary Tommy Statues. While in August, look out for the VJ Day commemorative service.
St Paul’s Walden Bury
Many of you will know this hidden gem as the beautiful childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, but during the Second World War, this historic house was actually used as a hospital. Today visitors can take a guided tour of the house, where you’ll hear tales of a royal childhood, see original 18th century furnishings, and learn about the Bowes Lyon family who live here to this day. Afterwards a tour of the 50-acre gardens is a must, taking in the formal 18th century landscaping, temples, lakes and ponds.
Hatfield Park
Believe it or not the magnificent Hatfield Park, with its links to Queen Elizabeth I, polished marble hall and magnificent Old Palace, was another Hertfordshire spot used as a hospital during The Second World War. Tour the house today and you’ll find over 400 years of history, glorious gardens and magnificent parkland.