Almost half of Brit population joined in VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations smashing previous records

A RECORD 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month.

Almost half the country took part in some way, by attending street parties, parades or by observing the two-minute silence.

GettyA record 31.1million people joined the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations earlier this month[/caption] GettyVeteran George Durrant, 100, who received the Burma Star, proudly waves his flag as he receives kisses[/caption] GettyRAF veterans Kathleen Lawrence, 101, and husband Roy Lawrence, 100, at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire[/caption] Arthur Edwards / The SunThe Sun’s Mike Ridley interviews veteran Bernard Morgan, 100[/caption] GettyJim Bowes dances with a member of staff at Erskine Veterans Home in Bishopton, Scotland[/caption]

It smashed the record set by the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, when 16.8million people took part.

Brendan Cox, whose Together Coalition helped promote the commemoration, said: “The historic levels of participation tell us there is a desire to connect with our shared history and to celebrate shared values together.

“At a time when our politics is more fragmented than ever, it’s all the more welcome our country is still able to come together to celebrate what we have in common.”

The events marked eight decades since the end of World War Two in Europe on May 8, 1945.

A military parade past Buckingham Palace was watched by the Royal Family and veterans.

Thousands of street parties were also set up across Britain.

A service was held in Westminster Abbey and 10,000 people joined the King and Queen at a pop concert on Horse Guards Parade.

AFPKing Charles with veteran Harry Richardson, 107, during the anniversary[/caption] PAPrince George and Kate meet veterans at a tea party in Buckingham Palace[/caption] GettyVeterans pose for a picture at the National Memorial Arboretum[/caption]