VE Day 80 concert has viewers in tears as Zoe Ball leads tributes to veterans

The BBC VE Day 80 concert aired this evening, which marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a special live concert that aired on BBC One

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The BBC VE Day 80 concert aired this evening, which marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a special live concert that aired on BBC OneThe Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales were in attendance at the concert (

Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The BBC kicked off their special concert to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special address from host Zoe Ball. The BBC Radio 2 star welcomed viewers to the special VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember on BBC One.

The concert is set to feature performances from a number of famous faces at Horse Guards Parade, an iconic venue to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, with performances from the likes of Samantha Barks and Fleur East.

John Newman, Victor Ray, Freya Ridings and Keala Settle are also performing tonight, as well as Calum Scott, The Darkness, Toploader, Tom Walker and classical singer Sir Willard White as well as cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

VE Day was marked with a special concert (

Image:

Getty Images)

Fleur opened the concert with an incredible performance from the Strictly Come Dancing stars including Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington.

There is also set to be special words from Dame Joan Collins, Dame Mary Berry, and Dame Sheila Hancock whilst actor Brian Cox also read out a special powerful rendition of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech.

At the start of the broadcast, Roman Kemp was backstage as he chatted about the show and introduced Zoe Ball. She teased she would be arriving with special 'props' and said she was excited to be hosting such a special concert.

"The atmosphere has been so joyous. I am telling everyone at home, you will cry tonight. The veterans will be telling their story. It means the world - it's utterly terrifying," Zoe said of her hosting role.

The crowds gathered for the event (

Image:

PA)

The Prince and Princess of Wales were the first to arrive, where they greeted veterans who had joined them in the Royal Box. A fanfare was then played as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived, where they spoke with veterans and evacuees.

Zoe then arrived on a sidecar with a Union Jack helmet, as she addressed the crowds. "Good evening and welcome to the VE Day 80. I am thrilled to be with you all here. Together, we can remember a very special day. We have transformed Horse Guards Parade into a special concert venue," she said, "Glorious sea of red, white and blue."

At the start of the event, they paused to pay tribute to the veterans in attendance as everyone stood to clap and wave their flags. One wrote: "This is proper emotional man! #VEDay80," whilst another added: "Everyone at the concert wearing red white or blue."

Soap stars Michelle Hardwick, Claire Sweeney and Emma Barton were also on hand to perform.

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