Stars shine at VE Day anniversary extravaganza

The set was aircraft hangar-themed Credit: Yui Mok / PA Wire

Thousands of people celebrated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe this evening at a star-studded concert in central London.

Revellers gathered at Horse Guards Parade for a 1940s-themed show called "VE 70: A Party To Remember".

Featuring performances of period music from Katherine Jenkins, Pixie Lott, Status Quo, Alfie Boe and Chaz and Dave.

The show was only the second time a concert has been staged in the parade ground, which is in Westminster.

Rocking in the free world: Status Quo Credit: Yui Mok / PA Wire

More than 12,000 spectators including Second World War veterans gathered in front of an aircraft-hangar style stage, which had two RAF spitfires on display.

Pixie Lott glams it up Credit: Yui Mok / PA Wire

Actor Laurence Fox read a poignant letter written by a British Army sergeant to his wife just three days before he was killed in the war.

Speaking backstage, Fox said: "We would be speaking German if people had not sacrificed their lives for this great country.

"My grandad was badly wounded in the Second World War. He got the Virtuti Militari (Poland's highest military decoration for bravery) from the Poles.

Katherine Jenkins is pregnant with her first child Credit: Yui Mok / PA Wire

Hosted by Chris Evans, the event heard extracts of famous speeches by Sir Winston Churchill read by actor Robert Lindsay from the balcony where the former prime minister delivered them.

The crowd goes wild Credit: Matt Crossick / PA Wire
Members of the Garrison Artillery Volunteers Historical Display Troop Credit: Matt Crossick / PA Wire