Thousands of Met Police officers will be deployed around London this weekend to support the anniversary of VE Day.
The event, running from Friday (May 8) to Sunday (May 10), will mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Back in 1945, the Met was busy preparing for the original VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) anniversary celebrations.
Over 8,888 officers plus 1,330 Special Constables, 50 female officers and 147 Mounted Branch officers were on duty that day as millions came out to cheer on the Victory Parade.
This time around, the occasion will be commemorated with events across the UK with the capital showcasing some of the very best.
Very much like 1945, there will be a host of events over the three days.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, coinciding with a national two-minute silence, on Friday.
At 11am on Saturday (May 9) across London and the UK, churches and cathedrals will ring their bells as a nationwide mark of celebration before a 1940s themed party is held at Horse Guards Parade Ground.
Sunday will see Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family attend a Service of Thanksgiving, at Westminster Abbey, along with up to 1,000 WWII veterans and their families.
More than 2,000 service personnel, veterans and their guests will then march from Westminster Abbey to Horse Guards Parade.
The Red Arrows and historic RAF aircraft will then complete a fly past over central London.
Commander Colin Morgan is leading the Met’s VE Celebration policing operation.
He said: “I am very proud of the Met’s record in policing this very special event.
"Just like my colleagues in 1945, we are busy planning to ensure an appropriate and proportionate policing plan is in place for the celebrations which will attract large crowds.
"The VE Day anniversary celebrations is a well-rehearsed annual policing event and one which myself and colleagues are privileged to be on duty for.”
