Working in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The Together Coalition, Ocean Outdoor is celebrating Britain’s VE (Victory in Europe) Day commemorations this week.
Developed in partnership with creative agency M+C Saatchi Group UK, the campaign kicked-off four days of national celebration through to 8 May, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
In a tribute to veterans and the wartime generation, the Piccadilly Lights will be taken over at 3pm on 8 May with a film depicting a young soldier from the Second World War in modern-day Piccadilly, amazed at the world around him.
He then faces an older version of himself, played by 100-year-old Mervyn Kersh, who took part in the Normandy Landings and witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen.
“80 years ago Piccadilly Circus hosted thousands celebrating the end of the Second World War,” said culture secretary, Lisa Nandy.
“I’m pleased that, as part of our commemorations this year, we can recreate this moment on the big screen and ensure the stories of that greatest generation are passed on to the young people of today.”
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Directed by Matt Timmiss, the film will be supported with nationwide out-of-home activations, running across 13 cities encouraging local communities to come together for celebrations.
Nick Yarker, client lead at M+C Saatchi Group UK added: “Recreating VE Day in Piccadilly Circus for the 80th anniversary is, literally, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“So many people have donated their time and talent to create this moment, which brings past and present face-to-face, celebrates our veterans and reminds us all that their spirit lives on. We’re proud to have created work that resonates with audiences young and old, making an important historical event feel relevant and powerful today.”
Today (6 May), the BFI IMAX, Piccadilly Lights, Battersea Power Station and other Ocean screens will join prominent historic landmarks across the UK in lighting up in red, white and blue as night descends. The moment will be led by the Tower of London just after 9pm.
