Buckingham Palace is illuminated as buildings around the UK shine light in the darkness in VJ Day tributes

On 15 August 2025, the UK observed the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a powerful blend of ceremonial remembrance and visual tributes. One of the most symbolic gestures was the night time illumination of iconic buildings across the nation—a visual tribute resonating with respect and unity. And Buckingham Palace was at the heart of the commemorations.

Light in the darkness to mark the end of World War Two

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport invited all public buildings “with the means” to light up their facades from 9pmfor two hours, using white illumination, searchlights or ‘V-shaped’ beams, and projections of the VE/VJ 80 logo, where feasible.

This initiative created a shared, visually striking gesture of remembrance visible across Britain. Some of the most famous buildings with royal links joined in. Buckingham Palace was illuminated as was the Tower of London.

The Houses of Parliament, Durham Cathedral and the Blackpool Tower were also lit up. These illuminations echoed the commemorative lighting seen during VE Day’s 80th anniversary, where buildings like the Elizabeth Tower, 10 Downing Street, The Shard, and others lit up in red, white, and blue to honour Europe’s victory—here, the focus shifted to acknowledging the Pacific theatre’s legacy.

Commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

This tribute formed part of a broader range of commemorations on VJ Day. The National Memorial Arboretum hosted a national service of remembrance attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and 33 veterans aged 96 to 105. The ceremony included a two-minute silence, wreath-laying, emotional testimonies, and flypasts by the Red Arrows along with historic WWII aircraft.

Landmarks being illuminated as night fell amplified the day’s solemnity.

The enduring symbolism of illumination

Lighting up public buildings offers a profoundly symbolic gesture. The white light represented purity, clarity, and an enduring peace while the use of searchlights and beams echoed the famous “V for Victory” gesture, linking contemporary memory with wartime morale. The logo projections personalized the commemoration, recalling the specific milestone—80 years since VJ Day.

This visual language transformed structural icons into harbours of national reflection and gratitude.

The inclusion of Buckingham Palace, the heart of the Monarchy and a visual symbol for so many in World War Two of the hope of victory, was a powerful moment. Lighting iconic buildings on VJ Day’s 80th anniversary created a poignant, unifying symbol of remembrance across Britain. This gesture complemented national services, flypasts, and personal tributes—collectively honouring the sacrifices of veterans and civilians who endured the Pacific war. Through light, architecture became a canvas of memory, urging us never to forget.