Thousands of ceramic poppies return to Tower of London

It's to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe.

A yeoman warder poses with the installation ceramic poppies at The Tower of London
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 6th May 2025

The Tower of London has been draped in ceramic poppies to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe.

Nearly 30,000 poppies climbing the tower walls will be unveiled on Tuesday.

The poppies have been set to resemble a wound to reflect the long-lasting sacrifices made during the war.

The Queen is due to visit later.

More events this week

A service at Westminster Abbey will begin with a national two-minute silence of reflection and remembrance on Thursday, where veterans will be part of the congregation.

Horse Guards Parade will then hold a live concert to round off the commemorations.

Pubs and bars have been granted permission to stay open for longer to mark the anniversary.

Venues in England and Wales which usually close at 11pm will be able to keep serving for an extra two hours on Thursday.

Churches and cathedrals will ring their bells at 6.30pm, echoing the sounds that swept across the country in 1945, the Church of England said.

Weekend of celebrations

A day of pomp and ceremony - as tens of thousands of people from across the country celebrated 80 years on from the end of the Second World War in Europe.

In London, a military procession was followed by an RAF flypast - watched by the King and Queen from the Buckingham Palace balcony.

They later hosted an event for veterans, while the Prime Minister poured cups of tea at Downing Street.

A special street party was held on HMS Belfast on the River Thames

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