13th May 2025

Host a Meaningful VJ Day 80th Anniversary Celebration with Party Packs

What is VJ Day and Why is It Celebrated?

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, marks the official end of World War II. Celebrated on 15th August, it commemorates the day in 1945 when Japan surrendered to the Allies, following the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For many across the UK and the Commonwealth, it brought closure to years of conflict and hardship. VJ Day is a moment to remember the sacrifices made by armed forces, prisoners of war, and civilians alike.

In 2025, we will be observing the 80th anniversary of VJ Day—a major milestone that offers an even more poignant opportunity to honour veterans and educate younger generations. Hosting a VJ Day event not only pays tribute to the past but helps keep these stories alive for the future.

National VJ Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations Across the UK

In 2025, the United Kingdom will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15th August, marking the end of the Second World War. This significant milestone offers an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.

A series of national and local events and activities are planned to commemorate their service and sacrifice. These events aim to share stories of the Second World War generation and ensure their legacy is remembered for generations to come.

Communities across the UK are encouraged to participate in these commemorations. Local councils and organisations are hosting various events, including exhibitions, beacon lighting ceremonies, and educational programs. For instance, the Abbots Langley community is organising a range of events from May to November, culminating in a VJ Day Exhibition and Beacon Lighting on 15th August 2025.

🎈 Decorating for the Occasion: Set the Patriotic Scene

Decorating your venue is the first step in creating the right atmosphere. Whether you're planning a garden party, a street celebration, or a community hall gathering, visual cues like bunting, flags, and banners instantly immerse guests in the historical significance of the day.

Top decoration options from Party Packs include:

VJ Day Decoration Party Pack – Includes red, white, and blue balloons, bunting, flags, streamers, banners, and a VJ Day poster to cover all your decor needs in one go.
VJ Day 80th Anniversary Pack – Specially designed for the 2025 celebration, this pack features additional commemorative items like an A3 newspaper poster.
Union Jack Paper Decoration Pack – Perfect for budget-friendly yet bold displays, including Union Jack buntings and banners.

Tip: Use decorations to create themed zones—like a photo wall with the anniversary banner and flags, or a remembrance table with vintage-style posters.

🚩 Flags & Bunting: Wave the Spirit of Victory

No VJ Day celebration is complete without the bold, proud display of the Union Jack. Flags and bunting instantly create a patriotic ambiance and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. They help define your event space, guide guests through themed areas, and visually connect everyone to the meaning of the day.

Recommended items include:

Union Jack Hand Waving Flags – Great for children, parades, or commemorative moments during speeches.
Large Polyester Union Jack Flags – Use them as backdrops, tablecloths, or to mark event entrances.
Union Jack Outdoor Bunting – Durable and vibrant, perfect for hanging between fences, across party tents, or along streets and patios.

When hung alongside VJ Day posters or memorial displays, these items truly help bring history to life.

Explore more options directly at Party Packs:
👉 VJ Day Flags & Bunting Collection

🎉 Accessories and Atmosphere: Adding Personality and Meaning

Beyond décor, accessories help build a full sensory experience and give your guests something to remember the day by. Whether it’s a large entrance display, life-sized cutouts, or commemorative stand-ups, these elements anchor the theme and spark conversations.

Recommended accessories include:

VJ Day 80th Anniversary Sailboard Stand-Up – A vibrant and tall (185cm) display piece that doubles as a photo backdrop.
Soldier Silhouette Cutout – A dignified tribute to the troops that brings solemnity and respect to the event space.
Wall and Door Banners – Ideal for both indoor and outdoor entryways to warmly welcome your guests.

🎁 Party Bags and Thoughtful Favours: Gifts with a Message

Party bags are not just for children—they’re a thoughtful way to thank your guests for attending and to offer them a small keepsake from the event. VJ Day-themed bags and fillers from Party Packs make this part effortless.

Ideal choices:

VJ Day 80th Anniversary Paper Party Bag Kits – Stylish and themed bags, ready to fill with commemorative goodies.
Themed Chocolate Squares – A sweet and simple way to send guests home with a treat tied to the theme.

Combine these with poppy pins or small flags to enhance the historical relevance.

🕺 Fancy Dress and Costume Accessories: Bring the Era to Life

Encourage guests to get into the spirit of the 1940s with vintage-inspired outfits or uniforms. It gives your event an authentic wartime feel—especially great for photos or performances.

Top picks:

WWII Home Guard Private Costume – Complete with trousers, jacket, hat, and harness belt, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts.
Accessorise with Victory Pins or Rosettes – Subtle items for those who want to participate without full costumes.

🍽️ Themed Tableware: Serve with Style

No celebration is complete without a spread of food and drink—and for a meaningful event like VJ Day, presentation plays a key role in setting the tone. Party Packs offers a fantastic selection of Union Jack-themed tableware that blends patriotism with practicality. These items not only elevate your table settings but also reinforce the theme throughout your celebration.

🎉 Recommended Tableware Packs:

Union Jack Tableware Party Pack: Includes plates, cups, napkins, and a table cover, making it easy to set a cohesive and festive table for 8 to 16 guests.
Deluxe Patriotic Tableware Kit: A more extensive option with extra servings and larger table covers—ideal for bigger gatherings or street parties.

These sets save time and effort, while still delivering a polished and themed appearance.

🎨 Styling Tips:

Mix and match red, white, and blue tablecloths with Union Jack paper plates and straws.
Use small Union Jack flags in vases as eye-catching centrepieces.
Print or write out historical fact cards for each place setting—this not only decorates the table but also educates and sparks conversation.

🧁 Menu Inspiration:

For a touch of nostalgia, serve classic wartime-era treats that would’ve been enjoyed during the 1940s:

Sausage rolls
Jam tarts
Victoria sponge cake
Coronation chicken sandwiches
Tea served in vintage-style cups

By combining patriotic visuals with historically inspired food and thoughtful table arrangements, your VJ Day gathering becomes both beautiful and meaningful.

Explore tableware options directly on Party Packs – VJ Day Collection.

🎤 Activities and Entertainment: Engage and Educate

Round out the day with meaningful and fun programming. Play music from the 1940s, host a trivia quiz about the war, or invite a local veteran to speak. A short remembrance ceremony, complete with a moment of silence, can bring focus to the deeper meaning of the day.

Ideas include:

Wartime Sing-Alongs
Victory-Themed Bingo
Children’s craft station to make flags or remembrance poppies

🏁 Wrapping Up

Hosting a VJ Day event is a chance to bring people together in both celebration and remembrance. With the 80th anniversary in 2025, there’s never been a better time to create a meaningful experience that blends respect for history with community spirit.

Thanks to the comprehensive selection from Party Packs, planning your event—from decorations to party bags—can be both easy and impactful. Let your gathering be a testament to peace, gratitude, and the enduring legacy of those who served.

Did you find this blog useful? Let us know in the comments and tell us how you plan to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this year.