Southampton to Honour 80th Anniversary of VJ Day with Two-Day Commemorations
Southampton will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day with a programme of remembrance and community events on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August, honouring the city’s historic role in welcoming home thousands of servicemen, prisoners of war, and civilians after the Second World War.
VJ Day in 1945 signalled the end of the conflict following Japan’s surrender. For many who served in the Far East, it marked the end of years of hardship and captivity. In the months that followed, more than 22,000 people were repatriated through Southampton’s docks. A plaque at Town Quay Park commemorates this chapter in the city’s history.
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, described the anniversary as “a powerful testament to our city’s resilience, compassion, and commitment to those who served and suffered during the Second World War.”
The commemorations will begin on Friday 15 August:
• 9:00am: Flag-raising ceremony and proclamation outside the Civic Centre
• 10:30am: Wreath-laying at the Repatriation Memorial, Town Quay Park
• 11:00am: Guided walking tour led by See Southampton. The 90-minute tour starts in Bugle Street and finishes at the Far East Prisoners of War plaque in Town Quay Park. Tickets are £10 via Eventbrite.
At lunchtime, 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 will be docked in the city on the exact anniversary, reflecting the historic role of her wartime namesake, RMS Queen Mary.
In August 1945, the original Queen Mary was in port and joined other ships in sounding her whistle to mark the end of the war. That same whistle is now fitted to Queen Mary 2 and is expected to sound again just after the national two minutes’ silence at 12 noon, along with other ships in port — a poignant moment echoing what took place in Southampton 80 years ago.
The lunch will bring together relatives and descendants of those who served in the Far East. It will provide a space to share stories and family artefacts, and to remember those who returned to Southampton after the war.
In the evening, a beacon will be lit at Holyrood Church at 8:30pm, and the O2 Guildhall will be illuminated in red, white, and blue to mark the occasion.
The commemorations will continue on Saturday 16 August:
Southampton City Council is supporting the Royal British Legion in delivering a day of community-focused events.
• 10:30am: Veterans form up in Watts Park ahead of a short parade to the Cenotaph, led by pipes and drums
• 11:00am: Commemorative service and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph
• 11:30am (approx.): Veterans’ march through East Park into Palmerston Park
• 12 noon–2:00pm: Picnic in the Park in Palmerston Park — bring your own food and enjoy live music, military and heritage displays, and refreshments
Complementing the events:
• SeaCity Museum will host a free display exploring Southampton’s role in the Second World War and the significance of both Victory in Europe (VE) Day and VJ Day. Located in the museum café, the display will include wartime photographs, objects, and models, including a matchstick model of the Queen Mary.
• Historic photographs from Southampton’s archives will be shown on digital screens in public spaces across the city.
• Above Bar Street will feature Union Flags and specially designed anniversary banners, installed with support from GO! Southampton.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, called the commemorations “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,” while the Royal British Legion’s Archie Parsons urged the public to attend, adding: “This is also a time to celebrate, and we plan on doing that on Saturday 16 August.”
Full details are available on the Southampton City Council and Visit Southampton websites.
