Join VE Day 80 celebrations at The Poppy Factory

On Tuesday 6 May, residents are invited to join The Poppy Factory’s discovery sessions to remember the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Participants will hear VE Day-themed talks by The Poppy Factory’s expert hosts, watch special presentations and have the chance to view lesser-seen parts of the historic factory, which since 1922 has employed injured veterans to make Remembrance poppies and wreaths for the Royal British Legion and the Royal Family. Its workers and their families were among those who took to the streets of London to celebrate the end of the war in 1945.

Hot drinks, refreshments and special VE Day 80 Victoria sponge cake will be on offer in the visitor centre café, with music from the era adding to the spirit of celebration.

Event details

• Date: Tuesday 6 May 2025
• Time: 12.30pm
• Location: The Poppy Factory, 20 Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6UR
• Price: £15 for discovery session £7.50 for tea and cake

Book your tickets now

Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, Amanda Shepard said: "It’s so important that we all come together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and pay tribute to all those who gave up so much to fight for peace in Europe.

"Our VE Day 80 programme offers an opportunity to join the celebrations that are planned across the UK, and we hope our guests will also see this as an opportunity to support the veterans and family members who we continue to help today."

In more recent times, The Poppy Factory has grown into a national charity helping veterans and their families on the path to employment. Funds raised through the visitor centre go towards its Veteran and Family Services, which last year helped more than 1,100 members of the Armed Forces community to change their lives.