8 May 1945 was a day of celebration throughout the UK.  After six long years, the war in Europe was finally at an end. In every city, town and village the streets were filled with people singing and dancing.  It would also be a bittersweet occasion for many who had lost loved ones in the war or were waiting for their safe return.

To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, BBC Radio 2 is marking the occasion with this special concert at the Alexandra Palace Theatre.

Presented by Vernon Kay, the concert features the BBC Big Band and the strings of the BBC Concert Orchestra with special guests as they prepare to swing the night away with the best loved songs and melodies recalling that great moment in history.

Big band classics include Flying Home, One O’Clock Jump, Skyliner, Opus One and Caravan.  Guest vocalist Anna-Jane Casey explores the Doris Day and Vera Lynn songbooks with hits including My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time, Sentimental Journey and I’ll Be Seeing You.  Also featured are Gary Wilmot leading the great British singalong in a selection of wartime favourites.  Singer, saxophonist and Soho’s favourite son Ray Gelato is guaranteed to get the joint jumpin’ with Louis Jordan favourites including Five Guys Named Moe and Caldonia, plus the stunning 6-piece vocal harmony group, Accent.

This concert is being recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

Age recommendation: 12+