Southampton Marks 80th Anniversary of VJ Day with Two-Day Commemorations

Southampton will begin two days of remembrance and celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, honouring the city’s vital role in welcoming home thousands of servicemen, prisoners of war, and civilians at the end of the Second World War.

The anniversary recalls 15 August 1945, when Japan’s surrender ended the conflict in the Pacific and brought years of hardship to a close for those who had served in the Far East. In the months that followed, more than 22,000 people were repatriated through Southampton’s docks — a story now marked by a commemorative plaque in Town Quay Park.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, described the milestone as “a powerful testament to our city’s resilience, compassion, and commitment to those who served and suffered during the Second World War.”

Day One: Friday, 15 August
Today’s commemorations begin with a 9:00am flag-raising ceremony and proclamation outside the Civic Centre, followed by a wreath-laying at the Repatriation Memorial in Town Quay Park. At 11:00am, a 90-minute guided walking tour, led by See Southampton, sets off from Bugle Street, finishing at the Far East Prisoners of War plaque in Town Quay Park.

At midday, invited guests — including veterans and families of those who served in the Far East — will board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 for a commemorative lunch hosted by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, who also serves as Admiral of the Port. The ship is in port on the exact anniversary, mirroring the historic presence of her wartime predecessor, RMS Queen Mary, in August 1945.

Just after the national two minutes’ silence, the ship’s whistle — the same one fitted to the original Queen Mary — will sound across the harbour, echoing the moment 80 years ago when ships in Southampton marked the end of the war.

This evening, a beacon will be lit at Holyrood Church at 8:30pm, with the O2 Guildhall illuminated in red, white, and blue.

Day Two: Saturday, 16 August
Saturday’s programme will be led by the Royal British Legion, beginning with veterans forming up in Watts Park at 10:30am before a short parade to the Cenotaph for an 11:00am service and wreath-laying. The veterans will then march through East Park into Palmerston Park for “Picnic in the Park” from midday to 2:00pm, featuring live music, military and heritage displays, and refreshments.

Ongoing Commemorations
SeaCity Museum is hosting a free display exploring Southampton’s wartime role, with photographs, objects, and a matchstick model of the Queen Mary. Historic images from the city’s archives will also appear on digital screens in public spaces, and Above Bar Street has been decorated with Union Flags and specially designed anniversary banners.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said the events were “especially meaningful” given Southampton’s maritime heritage. Claire Whitaker CBE, Chief Executive of Southampton Forward, said the anniversary “connects our community to its past in a meaningful way.”

Archie Parsons of the Royal British Legion urged residents to attend: “This is also a time to celebrate, and we plan on doing that on Saturday 16 August.”

Full event details are available on the Southampton City Council and Visit Southampton websites.