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• Summer season

  On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Join us this May and June as we unpack life beyond victory, with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict.

  Beyond Victory

• Beyond Victory Tour: Commemorating the Second World War

  Thursday, 1st May 2025

  As the nation marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, explore the enduring legacy of the conflict in Westminster Abbey.

  Events

• Lunchtime Talk: The People's Victory

  Wednesday, 14th May 2025

  Join Professor Lucy Noakes as she explores what VE Day was like for those who lived through the Second World War, particularly for those who had experienced loss.

• Lunchtime Talk: Remembering the Second World War

  Wednesday, 11th June 2025

  Keith Lowe reflects on how nations around the world have commemorated the Second World War, 80 years on since the end of the conflict.

• Beyond Victory Family Activity: Spread your wings

  Saturday, 31st May 2025

  Flock together for a gentle session of bird crafts, trails and stories as we consider peace through the symbol of birds.

  Family

• Abbey Late: Beyond Victory

  Wednesday, 4th June 2025

  Unwind after hours and immerse yourself in an evening of hands-on crafts, fascinating stories and swing dance.

• Beyond Victory Exhibition: 80 Years of Christian Aid

  Monday, 26th May 2025

  Discover the rich history and lasting impact of Christian Aid in this captivating photographic exhibition.

• Beyond Victory: Westminster Walking Tour

  Saturday, 10th May 2025

  Take a reflective walk with guide Katie Wignall as she examines what the memorials in the Westminster area tell us about the impact and legacy of the Second World War.

• Beyond Victory Panel: Destruction, Restoration and Commemoration

  Tuesday, 27th May 2025

  Reflect on the impact that war has had on places of worship in this special event, held in collaboration with the V&A’s Culture in Crisis programme.

• An Evening with Sir Max Hastings: Commemoration and Remembrance

  Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

  Renowned historian Max Hastings draws on his years of writing about the history of war to make the case for why we should remember.

• Beyond Victory: Drawing Workshop

  Wednesday, 18th June 2025

  Artist reporter George Butler leads a drawing workshop in St Catherine’s Garden, part of the Abbey which sustained significant damage in the Second World War.

• Beyond Victory: Peace Cranes

  Monday, 26th May 2025

  Join us to make 1,000 origami cranes, a symbol of peace and remembrance of conflict around the world.