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How to watch VE Day 80 on TV: Best TV shows celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
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Commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day this May with our special collection of documentaries and programmes
By Simon Ward, Content Director
- Published
- 7 May 2025
On 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winson Churchill delivered the news to the nation that war had ended in Europe, declaring: “I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we’ve done.”
Eighty years later, we continue to commemorate the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of the Second World War across the continent. It’s a time to reflect upon a conflict that cost the lives of millions while celebrating the men and women who fought so hard to secure peace.
This year, there will be a whole host of programmes across various channels. There will also be full coverage of the day across the BBC, including the memorial concert at Horse Guards Parade in London as well as VE Day 80: A Celebration To Remember on BBC One (CH 101) and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 8 May from 8pm.
As a Virgin TV customer, you can also access our VE Day 80th Anniversary Collection from Monday 5 May until Friday 16 May. Here’s what you can watch:
The Sound And The Fury
Stream season 1 from Thursday 8 May in On Demand > Sky History
This epic series takes us closer than ever before to rediscover the Second World War for what it is: the most significant event of the contemporary world. Blending sweeping global events with intimate, personal stories of those who lived through the chaos, this series explores the full scale of the conflict that reshaped history.
VE Day – Forever In Their Debt
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Buy now. Cert U
First released in 2020 to celebrate VE Day’s 75th anniversary, this documentary tells the stories of those who experienced the end of the war in all its many forms. From the children who remember the street parties and celebrations to the servicemen who remember not having to buy a single drink that day, relive their stories.
VE Day 80: War Is Over
Watch on History Hit HD (CH 224)
If you’re a customer with our Virgin TV V6 box (powered by TiVo®), Virgin TV 360 or our Stream box, tune in to History Hit HD (CH 224) for premieres of new documentaries commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, including The Room Where It Happened and Victory Remembered.
Spitfire
Stream it now in On Demand > Sky Documentaries
The Spitfire is the most iconic British fighter aircraft in history. It became a symbol of freedom and wartime resistance during the summer of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. This documentary, narrated by Charles Dance, tells its story through the words of some of the last surviving veterans.
Monty: Our WW2 Hero
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Stream it now in On Demand > 5
Bernard Law Montgomery was one of the most impactful military leaders Britain has ever known. He commanded the Allied forces on D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history, and a pivotal moment that turned the tide of the war. The documentary looks back on the life events of the man affectionally known as “Monty”.
British Planes That Won The War With Rob Bell
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Stream season 1 now in On Demand > 5
Engineer Rob Bell explores four legendary British-built planes that became masters of the sky and pioneered a new era of flight. From the Sopwith Camel to the Lancaster Bomber, military experts, historians and pilots reveal what made each aircraft so influential.
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TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV set, V HD Box, TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.
On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Virgin TV 360 Box: Not available with full fibre. Minimum of M50 Fibre Broadband required for operation. Boxes require a HDMI cable to connect to your TV. Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for seven days after broadcast.
Virgin Stream box: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media.
Flex: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Not available with other Virgin Media TV services. Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media. There is a £5 a month charge for Flex service, and a one-off activation fee of £35 may apply, along with charges & terms for each Flex entertainment subscription chosen. Some Flex subscriptions require 30 days’ notice to cancel. New Virgin Media broadband customers subject to 18 month contract and set up fees may apply. See full details.
