BBC presents VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember live from Horse Guards Parade

The BBC proudly announces VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, a spectacular live concert marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Airing on Thursday 8 May from 8pm to 10pm on BBC One and iPlayer, the concert will be broadcast live from the iconic Horse Guards Parade in London, presented by Zoe Ball.

The finale of the nationwide VE Day 80 celebrations, this unforgettable evening will bring together music, storytelling, and tributes in a moving salute to those who served and sacrificed during World War II.

The star-studded lineup features performances from the most fabulous voices paying their tribute by performing on this wonderful stage, including Samantha Barks, Fleur East, John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings, Keala Settle alongside renowned cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker, and the legendary classical singer Sir Willard White.

The dazzling Strictly Come Dancing professionals: Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington, will also bring the stage to life with breathtaking choreography to accompany Fleur East's spectacular opening to the concert.

In addition to the musical performances, the concert will showcase appearances from a host of award winning performers. Dames Joan Collins, Mary Berry, and Sheila Hancock will lend their voices to the commemoration, while celebrated actor Brian Cox will deliver a powerful reenactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech.

Audiences will also enjoy a nostalgic revival of Dad’s Army, featuring Kevin Eldon, Iain Glen, Nigel Havers, Sir Derek Jacobi, Larry Lamb, Alex Macqueen and Daniel Mays.

Throughout the evening, veterans and wartime heroes will reflect on their experiences of VE Day, stories of love, resilience, and the joy of peace after years of conflict.

The concert will be accompanied by a live orchestra, highlighting the significance of the momentous occasion that was Victory in Europe Day. No VE Day tribute would be complete without stirring renditions of wartime classics The White Cliffs of Dover” a beautiful rendition sung by Calum Scott as well as We’ll Meet Again, performed by West End star Samantha Barks.

Zoe Ball says: "I’m truly honoured to play a small role in the celebrations of such a momentous occasion. My dear Dad Johnny Ball was 6 years old on VE Day, his memories of that time are incredible. Our great grandparents, and grandparents, our families, our nation went through so much. The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night with some magnificent performances."

Join us for an evening of reflection, remembrance, and celebration as we pay tribute to the heroes of the past and honour the enduring legacy of VE Day.

VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember is a 1 x 120’ for BBC One and iPlayer, produced by BBC Studios Events. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning Factual Entertainment and Events. The Creative Director is Claire Popplewell, the Executive Producers are Claire Horton and Catherine Stirk, the Series Producers are Rosheen Archer and Christian Fletcher and the Directors are Tony Grech-Smith and Diccon Ramsay. The Commissioning Editor is Mark Harrison.

• Read more: How the BBC is marking the 80th Anniversary of VE Day across TV and Radio

EL