Events across the UK and the rest of Europe this weekend will commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day - the end of World War Two on the continent.
A two-minute silence will be held at London's Cenotaph on Friday to mark the moment Winston Churchill announced that the war with Germany was over.
And on Friday evening, more than 200 beacons will be lit around the UK.
There were street parties across the UK when Germany surrendered on 8 May 1945, bringing to a close six years of war.
On that occasion, Buckingham Palace was lit up for the first time since 1939, and years of blackouts were broken with a giant 'V' symbol projected into the sky above St Paul's Cathedral.
The Queen - who as Princess Elizabeth waved to the crowds on VE Day from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, alongside her parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - will attend a service of thanksgiving on Sunday at Westminster Abbey.
After the service, veterans and serving members of the armed forces will parade along Whitehall, past the Treasury balcony from which Churchill delivered his historic address.
What was VE Day?
- VE Day held on 8 May, 1945, celebrated the end of war in Europe
- The British government had been planning the celebration from late 1944. The code word 'MOUSETRAP' alerted ministers when VE Day was imminent
- Bunting was taken off rations, pubs stayed open late and searchlights were used to light public monuments
- Churchill broadcast to the nation at 3pm from Whitehall. Listeners later heard their first weather forecast since war had begun
As well as remembrance ceremonies, street parties and concerts will be held around the UK to recreate the spirit of celebration that defined the day.
The biggest will be a concert at St James's Park on Saturday, where musical acts including Pixie Lott and Status Quo will perform wartime songs and actors John Simm, Julia Sawalha and Laurence Fox will give readings.
