The Year Was 1945, a series of exhibitions, events, services, talks and tours will open a window in time to 1945, sharing the stories of those who lived and served 80 years ago.
The news of Germany’s unconditional surrender on 7 May did not come as surprise to many who had been anticipating the news for some time. During the evening of the 7 May, the BBC told their listeners of Germany's unconditional surrender, and that an official statement declaring the end of the war would be made by Prime Minister Churchill the following day - Victory in Europe Day.
Whilst millions around the world took to the streets as they celebrated the Allied victory in Europe, in the Far East, hundreds of thousands of British, Commonwealth and Allied Armed Forces personnel were still involved in bitter fighting. For a further three months, war continued to wage in the Asia-Pacific region and only came to an end after two atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. After six long years of war this surrender, announced by Prime Minister Clement Atlee, was met with relief and celebration.
The reuniting of communities, families and friends would be a long process, and it would take until 1947 for some service personnel to be demobilised following their service. It is estimated that 60 million people around the world lost their lives during the War, whilst the physical and psychological scars of battle affected many millions more who served, were persecuted or had been displaced. The impact of the Second World War shaped the world in which we live today.
header Image: Military Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Events, talks, tours and exhibitions will tell the story of 1945.
In addition to our daily programme of tours and talks between 29 March – 16 November we’ll be sharing stories that bring to life the experiences of those who lived and served during the Second World War with connection to the memorials we have onsite.
VJ Day Guided Walks
3 May – 16 November | 75 minutes | £7 per person
The Year Was 1945 Self-Led Trail
3 May – 16 November | Free
Special services will be held at the Arboretum to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Second World War, acknowledging both the jubilation of victory and the solemn Remembrance of those who never returned.
3 May - 16 November | Exhibition | Free
An immersive exhibition that will whisk visitors back in time to 8 May 1945 where the residents of Cherry Tree Road are getting ready to celebrate together on VE Day. The table has been set and bunting hung at their party which is reflective of a typical VE Day celebration held in the UK in 1945.
Image: IWM (HU 49482)
3 May – 16 November | Exhibition | Free
Giving a voice to wartime letters shared by BBC Radio listeners, this exhibition will chart the journey from trepidation to jubilation in the final months of the Second World War.
3 May - 16 November | 10am - 5pm | Exhibition
Using basic materials Army Chaplain Fred Stallard produced paintings that captured his wartime experience. The story of Fred and ten of his fellow prisoners of war are featured in this exhibition which reveals the reality of life as a prisoner of war in the Far East during the Second World War.
3 May - 16 November | Exhibition | Free
In this exhibition, produced by our parent charity the Royal British Legion, powerful stories and photographs honour the service, sacrifice, lives and legacy of those who served during the Second World War.
Open Daily | Exhibition | Free
Located in the Arboretum’s Far East Zone, the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial Building tells the stories of those interned as prisoners of war during the Second World War, through the use of artefacts and immersive interpretation. You can discover more about the conflict in the Far East during our free, daily, Far East Prisoners of War talk delivered by our volunteer guides.
Look back at some of the events, talks, tours and exhibitions that have taken place this year so far.
Looking back at: 2 May 2025
The Arboretum’s eight-week VE Day learning and participation programme culminated with a performance onsite in our grounds.
Looking back at: 3 - 5 May 2025
At the National Memorial Arboretum, to mark this landmark moment we hosted a FREE weekend of activities inspired by the street party spirit of 1945.
The packed programme of live performances, including vintage 1940s inspired dance workshops, set the scene for our celebrations which culminated at the end of each day with a mass visitor singalong.
Looking back at: 8 May 2025
On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE hosted the Royal British Legion’s ‘RBL Remembering VE Day – 80 Years On’ Service at the Arboretum.
national-memorial-arboretum.jpg?sfvrsn=c18e9526_5&Method=CropCropArguments&Quality=High&ScaleUp=True&Height=500&Width=500&Signature=5C5FA300C3D59A11EC2C489DEBD0E5D30FED1FB4 "Changing Places Facility (C)National Memorial Arboretum")