The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) takes place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War.
While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East.
A national two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Events which will be taking place across the Bradford district to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day include:
- Wednesday 13 August 6pm-8.30pm at Fountains Church – A special event celebrating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day including a consultation on Bradford’s Commonwealth Memorial project.
- Friday 15 August 11.45am at Bradford Cenotaph – A Service of Remembrance which will include the national two-minutes silence will be led by Reverend Canon Ned Lunn from Bradford Cathedral and attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford. Following the service, light refreshments will be served at Fountains Church.
- Friday 15 August 1pm at Town Hall Square, Keighley – A Service of Remembrance. This will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford.
- Friday 15 August 10.45am at St Margaret’s Church Ilkley – A Service of Remembrance. There will be light refreshments available at the back of the church after the service
- Friday 15th August 10.30am at Wibsey Cenotaph – A Memorial Service organised by the Friends of Wibsey cenotaph and memorial garden
Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mohammed Shafiq said: “It is important that we come together at this significant time, 80 years since the end of World War 2. It is important that we take this opportunity to remember the sacrifices that people made and those who have gone before us. I hope as many people as possible will attend the events or take time to stop what they are doing and take part in the national two minutes silence at noon on Friday 15 August.”
Councillor Joanne Dodds Bradford Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “Everyone Is welcome to attend any of the events to show support for the Armed Forces veterans. VJ Day is a time to remember the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought for peace and freedom.”
