| Main Performers | Harry Clark,
Tim Peake,
Randolph Churchill - speakers
Nadiya Bychkova,
James Cutler - dancers
Katherine Jenkins,
Katie Ashby - vocals |
| Orchestra or Band | Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra,
RAF Squadronaires,
Swing Patrol dancers |
| Performance Notes | 'VE Day 80: The Party' presented by SSAFA the Armed Forces charity in association with the Daily Mail will be hosted by Dan Walker, Katherine Jenkins OBE and Myleene Klass MBE with music performed on stage by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and RAF Squadronaires under the direction of Mike Dixon. From much loved classical anthems to 1940s swing favourites, the show will bring back the VE Day party atmosphere 80 years on to the day. Traitors winner and Army Veteran Harry Clark will interview veterans and other audience members about their memories of the war and VE Day.
The Royal Albert Halls arena will be transformed into a dance floor sponsored by Marks and Spencer where the Swing Patrol will delight the audience with iconic Lindy Hop moves, and World Champion dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova will perform with her professional dance partner James Cutler.
Katherine Jenkins and Katie Ashby, along with the the D-Day Darlings, will feature among the vocal performances, while British astronaut and Armed Forces Veteran Tim Peake will appear on stage to reflect on some of the key moments of the Second World War that led to Victory in Europe Day.
Randolph Churchill will read the words of his great-grandfather, plus stars of stage and screen will share untold personal accounts of our Greatest Generation.
VE Day 80: The Party will reflect on that momentous day 80 years ago, when the country erupted in celebration and joy, though bittersweet for those who had lost loved ones during the war. It will also look ahead to VJ Day, when worldwide peace was finally achieved, and reflect on SSAFAs long history and its role during the Second World War.
This event will be broadcast across the nation on Classic FM.
The Armed Forces charity, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, offers support to those currently serving, regulars and Reservists, in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, veterans and military families - as well as veterans from the Merchant Navy. |