As the nation commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Marks & Spencer is marking this historic occasion through a landmark event sponsorship, the launch of limited-edition commemorative food products, and the celebration of a unique, long-standing connection of two colleagues at M&S Bury St Edmonds to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Cadets.
M&S is proud to be sponsoring the dance floor at a special VE Day 80 event, presented by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, at the Royal Albert Hall. The arena will be transformed into a vibrant space where the Swing Patrol will delight audiences with Lindy Hop moves, and Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova will perform. This national event, hosted by Katherine Jenkins OBE, Dan Walker, and Myleene Klass MBE, and broadcast across the nation on Classic FM, will bring the VE Day atmosphere to life, 80 years on.
Adding a taste of nostalgia to the celebrations, M&S Foodhalls have introduced a limited-edition Choc-o-Sandwich cake, a beloved favourite inspired by an M&S recipe from over 60 years ago. This classic treat, featuring layers of fluffy Victoria sponge, strawberry jam, and vanilla clotted cream buttercream, enrobed in thick milk chocolate, is available for a limited time in its original-style St Michael packaging.
Customers can also commemorate VE Day with an exclusive keepsake, a commemorative shortbread tin filled with melt-in-the-mouth buttery chocolate chip Scottish shortbread squares. The tin features a poignant design: a depiction of ‘The Marksman’ Spitfire, funded by M&S colleagues during the war, painted by renowned artist Steven Heyen.
For both the commemorative cake and shortbread tin, 5% of sales will be donated to the Royal British Legion, continuing M&S's long-standing support for the charity, for whom they have raised £9.5 million since 2009.
In addition to these national initiatives and commemorative products, M&S is also highlighting a remarkable connection of two colleagues to the RAF Cadets at its Bury St Edmunds store.
Manager Neil Brown, who has worked for M&S for 31 years and is now a manager at the Bury St Edmunds store, has been celebrating his father Norman, who turns 101 this year and was a member of the very first RAF Air Cadets squadron, formed in 1938 thanks to crucial early funding from former M&S Chairman Simon Marks and son of the company’s founder.
Joining Neil in this celebration is Jean Donoghue, a Foodhall Customer Assistant with 37 years at M&S, who is also a dedicated Flight Sergeant with the local RAF Air Cadets, mentoring young people and recognised for her long service with both the King’s Coronation Medal and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
From a national sponsorship bringing the celebratory spirit of VE Day to life, to delicious treats and a deep-rooted legacy with the RAF Cadets, M&S is honoured to mark the 80th anniversary of this pivotal moment in history and supporting the ongoing work of the Royal British Legion.
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