Bermuda’s role in the Second World War will be marked on Victory in Europe Day on Thursday — the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict on that continent.

Island representatives will attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and Horse Guards Parade in London.

More than 500 Bermudians signed up to fight in the war, with 35 islanders giving their lives during the six-year conflict, which ended in 1945.

Bermuda played a vital role in the battle for control of the Atlantic because of its location and was used as a training base for Royal Air Force pilots.

The island also became the hub of a massive intelligence and mail interception operation.

Speaking ahead of the celebrations, David Burt, the Premier, said: “Bermuda’s contribution to the war effort was significant and we rightly celebrate, along with our Commonwealth peers across the world, the service of those women and men whose personal sacrifice continues to inspire us even today.”

Events marking the day began in Britain on Monday when a military procession, including Nato allies and more than 1,300 members of the UK armed forces, made its way from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace, where they were saluted by King Charles III.

The event culminated in a fly-past by a Lancaster bomber and other aircraft.

For the commemoration, town criers across Britain will deliver a VE-Day proclamation and pipers standing at the top of the nation’s four highest peaks will play a piece of music composed for the celebration.

More than 1,000 beacons and hundreds of lamplights will be lit across Britain in the evening, representing the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war.