M&S Marks 80th Anniversary of victory in Europe (VE) Dag in a meaningful way this year. As the world recalls the end of World War II in Europe, Marx and Spencer (M&S) join in the celebration through a spotlight on employees with a special program in Royal Albert Hall, Limited-Suskar Foods and Royal Air Force (RAF) Cadets.
This is more than just a celebration. This is a way for M&S to respect the story, support giants and join the UK, the United States and Europe with local communities.
A Grand Event at the Royal Albert Hall
A big day in Royal Albert Hall in London sponsored M&S to mark the 80th anniversary by sponsoring the event. The program was performed by SSAFA, which is a respected armed strength donation, and has live music, dance and special guests.
Visitors will enjoy a vibrant performance from the Swing gasoline, a popular dance group known for its vintage Lind Hop style. TV personality like Dan Walker, Catherine Jenkins OBE and Milen Class MBE will host the event. Star Dancer Nadia Bachakova will also perform from Strictly Lower Dancing, which will make the event exciting and memorable.
The program will be broadcast in the UK at Classic FM, so people can also attend the festival at home.
Limited-Edition Food to Celebrate the Past
M&S is known for its delicious food, and to honour VE Day, they’ve launched two limited-edition products inspired by British history:
Choc-o-Sandwich Cake: This cake is based on a recipe from over 60 years ago. It includes soft Victoria sponge, strawberry jam, vanilla buttercream, and a thick layer of milk chocolate. It’s wrapped in retro-style St Michael packaging, bringing a nostalgic feel to your shopping basket.
Commemorative Shortbread Tin: A beautifully designed tin filled with chocolate chip shortbread. The tin features artwork of ‘The Marksman’ — a Spitfire plane funded by M&S employees during WWII. The artwork was created by aviation artist Steven Heyen.
Even better, 5% of sales from both items will go to the Royal British Legion, helping support veterans. Since 2009, M&S has raised more than £9.5 million for this important cause.
Honouring Local RAF Cadet Heroes
In addition to national events, M&S is sharing a local story from its Bury St Edmunds store in Suffolk. Two employees there have a strong connection to the RAF Cadets:
Neil Brown, a manager who has worked at M&S for 31 years, is celebrating his father Norman, who is 101 years old this year. Norman was part of the first-ever RAF Air Cadets squadron, created in 1938 with support from M&S’s former Chairman Simon Marks.
Jean Donoghue, who has worked at M&S for 37 years, also serves as a Flight Sergeant with the local RAF Air Cadets. She helps train and mentor young people and has earned medals for her service, including the King’s Coronation Medal and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
These personal stories show how M&S’s legacy goes beyond business. The company has long supported youth, veterans, and local communities.
Why M&S Marks 80th Anniversary Celebration Matters Today
M&S marks 80th anniversary of VE Day not just with cake and ceremonies, but with heartfelt stories and community pride. For UK, US, and European audiences, this celebration is a reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII and the values we still carry today—resilience, unity, and support for one another.
Whether you’re picking up a commemorative cake, tuning in to the Classic FM broadcast, or just learning about local heroes like Jean and Norman, M&S invites you to remember and reflect on this important moment in history.