West End Stars Shine At BBC’s VE Day 80 Concert

West End talent lit up Horse Guards Parade last night for VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, a grand BBC concert marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Presented by Zoe Ball, the sold-out event welcomed 12,000 attendees and featured a line-up of beloved stage and screen performers.

A standout moment came from the cast of hit musical Operation Mincemeat, who performed “Sail on, Boys” to rapturous applause. Samantha Barks moved the crowd with a heartfelt rendition of “We’ll Meet Again,” while Calum Scott followed with “The White Cliffs of Dover.” Fleur East, now starring in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, also took the stage, joined by Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and other musical guests including Tom Walker, Toploader, Freya Ridings, and Sir Willard White, who sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Acclaimed actors Brian Cox and Richard Armitage delivered stirring dramatic moments, including Churchill’s iconic wartime speech and real-life wartime testimonies. Meanwhile, a revival of Dad’s Army featured West End favourites Daniel Mays, Nigel Havers, Derek Jacobi, and Iain Glen.

The event also paid tribute to Britain’s television stars, with Emma Barton, Claire Sweeney and Michelle Hardwick performing as the Beverley Sisters.

Wartime memories were shared by veterans throughout the evening, while public figures such as Joan Collins and Mary Berry appeared in pre-recorded reflections. Zoe Ball described the event as “a very special night with some magnificent performances,” honouring the bravery and resilience of a generation never to be forgotten.