Here at NAAFI Headquarters, we recently commemorated the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with celebrations echoing those held on that momentous 8th of May in 1945. It was a joyful occasion, filled tea, cake and nods to our heritage, as well as the spirit of unity that defined that era.

During the Second World War, NAAFI was a familiar and comforting presence for the armed services on the front lines, providing them with much-needed provisions, including their beloved tea. It is estimated that at some points during WW2 an astounding 3.5 million cups were served every day!

To honour this tradition and the significance of VE Day, we gave away over 2,000 NAAFI tea bags to various events around the country. This small gesture allowed people to enjoy a brew on us, reflecting on the victory and the profound sacrifices made for our country.

We also brought the celebratory atmosphere directly to NAAFI HQ with our own office street party and a cake competition. On VE Day in 1945, NAAFI organised celebratory gatherings across the nation to mark the end of the war in Europe. In keeping with this tradition, we arranged for sandwiches and scones to be enjoyed by everyone at our headquarters, fostering a sense of camaraderie as we marked this significant 80th anniversary.

Adding a touch of friendly competition, we held a VE Day-themed cake contest, inviting our team to showcase their baking talents. The winner was then chosen by popular vote on our Instagram channel.

For those wishing to further commemorate this important anniversary, don’t forget to explore NAAFI Shop at naafishop.co.uk. There you’ll find a variety of VE Day-themed items, including special edition Whisky & collectible challenge coins – perfect for marking the occasion and remembering the sacrifices made.