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VE Day
75 years ago, Britain threw itself a party. After six gruelling years of war, it had earned it.
Much of our film record of the war is official - notably the output of the government's Crown Film Unit. But for the true spirit of VE Day, we should look not to the professionals, but to the amateurs, joyously filming their own families and neighbours.
Home movie cameras were still rare in 1945, but anyone who had one that day would surely have used it. And, wonderfully, many of the moving (in both senses) pictures they took - several, remarkably, in colour - later made it to the archives, where they stand as some of the most prized of all home movies.
These films almost burst with joy and relief, with each grinning face standing for countless more across the nation. They are a priceless record of a monumental day for all who were alive to see it.
VE Day Celebrations, Stratford VE Day Celebrations, Stratford
Amateur film 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Woodford
Jubilant crowds gather to celebrate VE Day and the end of the war in Europe. Banners are raised above bomb damaged streets and buildings.
Victory Parade Victory Parade
Documentary 1946 21 mins
Soldiers from the far reaches of the British Empire arrive in London to take part in the official commemoration of the end of war in Europe.
V.E. Celebrations at Newport May 1945 V.E. Celebrations at Newport May 1945
Amateur film 1945 9 mins Silent Location: Newport/Casnewydd
Beautifully presented production from The Newport and District Amateur Film Society which gives a real flavour of city celebrations on Victory in Europe Day (8th May 1945).
Bombed Out Bombed Out
Amateur film 1945 9 mins Silent Location: Southwark
Step into the aftermath of a WWII bombing raid in south London in this startling amateur film.
VJ Days VJ Days
Amateur film 1945 5 mins Silent Location: Aspley Guise
A Bedfordshire village celebrates Allied victory in the Pacific with a street party, captured in full colour by amateur filmmaker and Aspley Guise resident A.R. Sinfield.
Hull Victory Celebrations Hull Victory Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1945 40 mins Silent Location: Kingston upon Hull
After nearly six years at war the people of Hull show their relief and joy through dancing, children’s parties and other celebrations seen here breaking out all across the city.
Wartime Events in Sheffield Wartime Events in Sheffield
Amateur film 1942 19 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Military men and women from Sheffield put on a show from 1942-1947 in this patriotic compilation film.
Bishopstoke VE day celebrations and seaside holidays Bishopstoke VE day celebrations and seaside holidays
Amateur film 1945 10 mins Silent Location: Bishopstoke
Bishopstoke casts off the war in this celebratory record of VE Day - with street parties for the children and dancing for the grown-ups all to the tune of fiddles and an accordion.
Baer: VE Day Baer: VE Day
Home movie 1945 19 mins Silent Location: Littleover
At Littleover in Derby the end of war in Europe is marked by Britannia leading a fancy dress parade. And, after nearly six years of war, it's finally time for a street party!
V.E. Day May 8th & 9th 1945 – Thanksgiving Day May 14th 1945 V.E. Day May 8th & 9th 1945 – Thanksgiving Day May 14th 1945
Amateur film 1945 10 mins Silent Location: Gateshead
You can almost hear the cheers in this gorgeous silent film of VE day celebrations on the red, white and blue decked streets of Gateshead
Richards: Kettering 1945 - 1948 Richards: Kettering 1945 - 1948
Amateur film 1948 20 mins Silent Location: Kettering
1945 and a new era dawns. Goodbye to the evacuees and the ever-present American Air Force as Kettering looks to the future.
Swimming gala, ATC parade and VE Day march, Hoylake Swimming gala, ATC parade and VE Day march, Hoylake
Amateur film 1942 8 mins Silent Location: Hoylake
Wartime scenes on the Wirral as Hoylake Air Training Corps plays its part.
"V.E." Celebrations "V.E." Celebrations
Amateur film 1945 11 mins Silent Location: Whitchurch
The war is over at last and Victory in Europe Day is celebrated on 8/5/1945 at the Iles home in Heathwood Road, Cardiff, and with parties in Heathway and Albert Street.
V.E. Day Civic Service, Bradford V.E. Day Civic Service, Bradford
Non-Fiction 1945 12 mins Silent Location: Bradford
A sense of ending is evident among the service personnel and citizens of Bradford as V E Day finally arrives, although it is enough to inspire some jubilant dancing in the streets.
Beer: VJ Day Beer: VJ Day
Home movie 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Worcester
Spontaneous celebrations on the streets of Worcester as the end of the Second World War is declared.
VJ Day in Central London VJ Day in Central London
Documentary 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Westminster
This nostalgic and charming window into VJ Day celebrations has its eye on all, from the soldiers and civilians to the local wildlife.
VE/VJ Don't Waste Bread VE/VJ Don't Waste Bread
Government sponsored film 1945 0 mins
Crumbs! Victory celebrations give way to postwar austerity as shortages leave countries short of dough in more ways than one
V.J. Day Celebrations V.J. Day Celebrations
Non-Fiction 1945 8 mins Silent Location: Bradford
Soon after the VE Day celebrations, there is a second chance to let the hair down, and these dancers make the most of it with much humour, besides the pomp of the official ceremonies.
VE Day Party at Colwick VE Day Party at Colwick
Amateur film 1945 9 mins Silent Location: Colwick
With races and a Punch and Judy show for the children and tug of war and a 'drunks' race for the adults the VE party at Colwick is soon in full swing.
VE Day at Manston Grove and potato planting VE Day at Manston Grove and potato planting
Amateur film 1945 16 mins Silent Location: Manston
There's Victory jollity aplenty and a sumptuous banquet, despite rationing, for the children of Manston, Kent. We also see potato-girls in action and a mini-baby boom.
Victory Day Scenes Victory Day Scenes
Amateur film 1945 14 mins Silent Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
It’s all over, for Britain at least – the dreaded telegrams, the bombings, the blackouts - and Cardiffians celebrate the end of the war with tea and cake, fancy dress and bonfires.
War Time Events at Abercynon War Time Events at Abercynon
Amateur film 1943 9 mins Silent Location: Abercynon
The good folk of Abercynon are determined to maintain their fitness, fun and fighting spirit during WW2
Ibberson Family and VE Day Ibberson Family and VE Day
Home movie 1945 17 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Whether it’s the height of the war or its aftermath makes no difference to these children enjoying themselves: at the seaside, on V E Day and around the bomb sites of Sheffield.
Welwyn Garden City - The War Years Welwyn Garden City - The War Years
Amateur film 1939 15 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City
A great example of ‘despite war, life continues’, Welwyn Garden City residents continue with annual traditions, festive occasions and celebrations, during wartime.