For western Europe, including the UK, VE Day largely heralded the return of liberty and the triumph of democracy, and marked the end of Nazi aggression and occupation, the slaughter of a generation of young men, and the horrors of the Holocaust.

Northern Ireland will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a series of events to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two. A number of activities, including historical talks, parades and services,