Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Leadenhall Market’s street party
Live music, vintage games and 100 free luxury hampers available
The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked with a vibrant street party hosted at Leadenhall Market on 8 May. Taking place from 3 to 6pm, this free event invites Londoners to enjoy a festive afternoon featuring complimentary afternoon tea hampers, live musical performances, vintage games and a nostalgic street party atmosphere in the heart of the City.
On 8 May, the nation will celebrate 80 years since World War II ended in Europe. In 1945 the people of Britain came together in joyous street parties to celebrate peace. Eastern City Business Improvement District will be recapturing this community spirit by bringing long communal tables, Union Jacks and classic street decorations to Leadenhall Market’s cobbled streets, protected from the elements by the beautiful glass roofed Victorian structure.
Visitors to the VE Day Street Party will experience the spirit of the 1940s with a specially curated programme of entertainment. A dazzling vocal trio will bring the era’s most iconic tunes to life in three sets throughout afternoon. While classic wartime music from Vera Lynn and other greats will set the mood. Guests can also try their hand at traditional board games from the period, including Snakes and Ladders, Backgammon, and Cluedo.
As part of the celebration, 100 luxurious afternoon tea hampers will be given away. Each carefully curated hamper will feature traditional delights such as delectable cakes and fresh, locally sourced strawberries. The hampers will showcase treats from Leadenhall Market’s renowned traders, including floral arrangements by Windsor Flowers and exquisite pastries from the Market’s patisserie, Aux Merveilleux de Fred.
To secure a luxury hamper ahead of time guests should follow @EasternCityLDN on Instagram, reshare the VE Day Street Party post, and submit their details via email as instructed by Monday 6 May 2025. Those who successfully secure their hamper will be notified in advance and can collect their hampers on the day by showing their confirmation email. Another 50 hampers will be available to pick up on the day on a first-come-first-served basis.
As well as soaking up the vintage vibes at the VE Day Street Party, visitors can explore the incredible mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs at Leadenhall Market, stopping for an excellent glass of wine from Bedales or Cheese, or a pint from Golden Goose or The Lamb Tavern.