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VE 80 Day Experience - 8th & 9th May 2025
HMS Wellington to take part in national VE day 80 commemorations on 8th and 9th May
HMS Wellington was still on Battle of the Atlantic duties off Gibraltar 80 years ago, so we are throwing a wonderful party in her honour that will also support her preservation today.
The Wellington Trust Board of Trustees is honoured to announce HMS Wellington will be taking part in the national VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations with three official events.
All VE Day 80 events are open to members of the public. Details are as follows:
Thursday 8th May
0900 – 1000 Flag raising
At 9am we will be conducting a VE Day 80 flag raising. Members of the public are invited to view this from Victoria Embankment. Afterwards, the upper decks of HMS Wellington will be open to the public until 10am. Optional tea, coffee and wartime biscuits will be served on the Quarterdeck, with a suggested donation to the Wellington Trust of £5 per head.
1400 – 1700 The HMS Wellington VE Day 80 experience
In the afternoon, the Wellington Trust is throwing an afternoon party to celebrate VE day, and in honour of all those that served onboard HMS Wellington during WWII.
This is the main event and is a very special and unique fundraising ticketed event. The HMS Wellington VE Day 80 experience includes: Welcome drinks reception on the quarterdeck, a WI Big Bake onboard (TBC) and a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Dress code is smart casual or period 1940’s dress, with a competition for the best period dressed guest!
Guests can also enjoy and dance to the 1940’s revival band comprising some of the UK players from the Glenn Miller Orchestra Band, as well as enjoy the entire ship, plus other fundraising fun and historical reminders of the day. A cash bar will also be available throughout in our lovely wardroom.
Tickets are strictly limited due to the size of the ship.
To find out more and book your tickets for this unique, one-of-a-kind event, please click below:
Friday 9th May
1200 – 1500 Fish and Chips lunch
Step onboard for a 1940’s style fish and chips lunch on the covered quarterdeck of HMS Wellington. Absorb the commanding Thames Riverside views and immerse yourself in the atmosphere and surroundings of Wellington and explore the upper deck.
With a choice of four sittings, you will be served fish and chips, mushy peas,
bread and butter and a cup of tea. A cash bar will also be available in our lovely wardroom.
BOOK FISH & CHIPS LUNCH TICKETS
Join us aboard for VE Day 80! Not only will you be celebrating this important day in our history, but you will be supporting the work of the Wellington Trust and the conservation of our beloved HMS WELLINGTON.
100% of profits from ticketed events will be used to support the ongoing conservation and preservation of HMS Wellington.
We look forward to seeing you aboard!
Thank you for visiting the Wellington Trust website
HMS WELLINGTON is the only surviving Battle of Atlantic ship on the east side of the Atlantic and has been an iconic feature on the River Thames since 1948.
The Battle of Atlantic was the longest battle of WW II, starting on 3 September 1939, and ending on 8 May 1945. HMS WELLINGTON is credited with escorting over 103 Atlantic convoys, saved over 400 lives and is listed on the National Historic Ships Register. She is also the last Grimsby Class Sloop.
HMS WELLINGTON is currently operating limited opening hours but is not open to the general public.
She is progressing through a phased opening and is available for hire as an event venue for special occasions, such as weddings, lunches, dinners and conferences. There is also a boardroom for hire.
To register your interest in HMS WELLINGTON for your event, please contact info@thewellingtontrust.org There may be a delay in response due to the levels of interest we are experiencing and staff compassionate leave. However, we welcome all enquiries, as every event helps preserve and maintain this important historic ship.
For further news and updates on HMS WELLINGTON, and what’s happening onboard, please visit our “Latest news” page on our website, or follow The Wellington Trust on Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin.
Discover the beauty of a National Treasure
“I have walked past this ship on many occasions without knowing how
beautiful she is inside”
A rare opportunity to come onboard and discover the treasures, paintings and models inside this beautiful ship.
Our online shop offers maritime delights for your budding sailors young and old. From high quality T-shirts and tea-towels, books and stocking fillers for the kids, there is something for everyone to remind them of life on the ocean wave and who could resist our very own Sammy the Seagull.
Every purchase helps us to preserve Wellington for future generations.
