VE Day 80 years on – tea parties and military procession ring in commemorative week Adam Goldsmith Live reporter Image source, PA Media Image caption, Victoria sponge cake, scotch eggs and pork pies were served to veterans in Downing Street Eighty years ago this week, Prime Minister Winston Churchill encouraged the country to "rejoice" as he declared the war in Europe at an end. Today, actor Timothy Spall repeated the war leader's words, as crowds of military personnel gathered on Parliament Square to commemorate VE Day 80. Their subsequent march to the Mall – where they were saluted by King Charles and other Royal Family members and veterans – kicked off four days of events across the UK.

Brits even braved the slightly disappointing weather in some parts of the country, which failed to put a stop to bunting-clad tea parties – even Downing Street took part. A Red Arrows flypast was the headline of today's festivities, but there's more to look forward to over the rest of the week. Thursday – the anniversary of Churchill's declaration – will see members of the Royal Family attend a thanksgiving service at Westminster.

Then in the evening, it'll be time for a live celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade to conclude the festivities. Until then, you can have a read of our news story to see how it all unfolded today.