VE 80 Great Big Live Assembly

VE Day 80: A Great Big Live Assembly Honouring the Price of Peace

On 8 May 2025, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a historic moment marking the end of World War II in Europe. This milestone is an opportunity for schools across our great nation to come together in unity, honouring the sacrifices made for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

VE Day 80 is more than just a tribute to those who fought and fell—it is a powerful reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring values that define our country. Through this special Great Big Live Assembly, we will reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations to safeguard the hard-won peace that millions paid the ultimate price to achieve.

Join us as we remember, learn, and look forward—together.

The event will include previously unseen photos from the very first VE Day in London and an interview with a 108 year old veteran who served with the Royal Navy in Dunkirk.

The Great Big Live Assembly Primary School Assembly will feature inspiring stories, historical insights, and messages of gratitude from veterans, historians, and special guests. The event aims to ensure that new generations understand the importance of VE Day and its lasting impact on the world.

"This year we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the 8th of May, and the country will come together to commemorate the millions who sacrificed their lives at home and abroad so that we would live in freedom. I encourage every primary school to take this brilliant opportunity to hear from one of our few surviving veterans so that their story can be passed down to the generation who will be responsible for peace in the future.”
Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of VE Day 80

Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that advocates for those who have fled warzones around the world, is hosting the Great Big Live Assembly alongside 16 year old Scarlett Archer from Sky News’ FYI. Dr Kandiah says:

“VE 80 is a unique moment for us as a nation to look back at the courage and compassion of those who gave up so much for the peace we enjoy today. By hearing from children impacted by war we show that sadly war is not history for many children, but current reality.”

“As the number of those who served in World War II diminishes, it becomes our responsibility to keep their stories alive. By bringing young people into the heart of this commemoration, we ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Event Highlights:

· Live Broadcast: The assembly will be streamed online, allowing schools and communities nationwide to participate in an act of remembrance and gratitude.

· First-Hand Testimony: The assembly will include an exclusive interview with 108-year—old Frank Chester, a veteran of Operation Overlord (D-Day) and of submarine hunting in the Arctic Convoys.

· Interactive Elements: Schools will have the opportunity to engage through quizzes, interviews and creative follow-up activities.

· Commemorative Moment: A collective act of remembrance will take place, reinforcing the theme of gratitude and peace.

· Children impacted from war today. The broadcast will connect live with children living in countries in conflict, to show that war is a reality for many people around the world.

This Great Big Live Assembly is the latest in a series that have often gathered over 200 000 children across the country to explore important and complex issues with a hopeful and inclusive message. Previous assemblies have marked world refugee week, mental health week and black history month and have featured appearances from Letitia Wright, Steve Carrel, Gemma Hunt and others.

The Great Big Live Assembly is part of a wider program of events marking VE Day 80, including the national VE Day Proclamation, the ringing of cathedral and church bells at 6:30 PM, and the lighting of over a thousand Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at 9:30 PM across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

The Great Big Live Assembly is free for schools and educational groups.
Signing up for a free ticket will give you access to the live event and recording of the event for later use.

#VEDay80 #LestWeForget

HOST Dr Krish Kandiah OBE

Dr Krish Kandiah is a social entrepreneur with a vision to help solve some of society’s seemingly intractable problems through building partnerships across civil society, faith communities, government and philanthropy. He led the Afghan Welcome and UKHK initiatives which have worked with government and civil society to welcome newcomers from Afghanistan and Hong Kong to the UK. He is the director of Sanctuary Foundation, a foster carer, a host in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and sits on the government's Core Delivery Group. He is the author of over 15 books, including two welcome books for resettled Hong Kong and Ukrainian children.

Daniel is an 11 year old refugee from Ukraine who has lived in the UK for the last 2 and a half years. He will be taking part in the assembly offering his experiences of having to flee from a country that is currently at war.

Scarlett Archer is a British-Canadian-Italian presenter, actress, and voice artist. She began acting at five and later gained recognition as a presenter on Sky News’ BAFTA-winning show FYI, where she has covered major stories, including the Ukraine refugee crisis and COP26. In 2023, she became the UK’s youngest female Formula 1 commentator with Sky Sports’ F1 Juniors, interviewing legends like Sebastian Vettel. Passionate about youth empowerment and women in motorsport, Scarlett continues to make waves in broadcasting and acting.