World War 2 scenes and VE Day celebrations

On May 8th 1945 Victory in Europe was declared and there were scenes of jubilation up and down the United Kingdom. There were street parties in most towns. Thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square. Rations that had been saved up for this special time were brought out and there were sandwiches and cakes galore, especially for the nations' children who had been starved of sweets and treats.

Celebrating the end of World War 2 in Europe

Victory in Europe May 8th 1945

On that date, massive celebrations took place, notably in London, where over a million people celebrated in a carnival atmosphere the end of the European war, though rationing of food and clothing was to continue for a number of years. In London crowds massed in particular in Trafalgar Square and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of the Palace to cheering crowds. Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) and her sister Princess Margaret were allowed to wander anonymously among the crowds and take part in the celebrations in London.