From Conflict to Peace: Celebrating VE & VJ Day

What is it?

Marking the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Victory of Japan Day, as well as those of many other key events from the final stages of the Second World War, From Conflict to Peace: Celebrating VE and VJ Day will go on display from Tuesday, 1 April to Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The exhibition covers celebrations across the county itself, but also the experiences of Oxfordshire people serving in the armed forces throughout 1945, and for many, beyond the end of the war. VE and VJ Day were both celebrated across the country in 1945, including many events in Oxfordshire. For many Oxfordshire people serving in the armed forces, including the two county regiments, The Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light infantry and Oxfordshire Yeomanry, 1945 had seen a series of tough battles before hostilities would come to an end, and the prospect of many new challenges in the wake of victory in Europe and over Japan.