25 April 2025
Get ready for VE Day with Paul Hollywood’s Chelsea Buns
Baker and broadcaster Paul Hollywood MBE has donated one of his favourite recipes to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation charity, as part of the government's programme to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
Monday 5th May will see communities across the UK come together for street parties to connect over food and reflection on VE-Day 80. To provide families, friends, and neighbours with the opportunity to pause and reflect on this poignant occasion while baking, we are delighted to share this recipe free of charge for all.
Download Paul's Chelsea bun recipe
The recipe has already been given a seal of approval by our President, Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, who gave Paul Hollywood his own ‘Hollywood handshake’ after tasting them.
Paul said: "I’m honoured to have donated a special VE-Day Chelsea Bun recipe to the Commonwealth War Graves as part of the UK-wide drive to involve the public with our beloved community tradition of street parties, picnics, barbecues and baking.
“Baking, as a tradition, has a unique way of bringing people closer - whether it’s through the passing down of cherished recipes from older generations, or simply by taking a moment to pause, connect, and reflect.
“As we mark VE Day, I encourage people to catch up with friends, family and colleagues to talk about their families' experiences and contributions during the Second World War, and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today."
Michele Jennings, Director of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation said:
“We are delighted that Paul has chosen to donate one of his favourite recipes to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, as part of the official VE-Day 80 commemorations.
“We know that many families and friends will come together over the bank holiday, and taking the time to bake something together while reflecting on the profound and poignant efforts of the Second World War generation will help to ensure their legacy lives on.
“As part of the VE-Day and VJ-Day 80 commemorations, the Commonwealth War Graves’ For Evermore Tour will be travelling to communities across the UK to provide further opportunities for people to discover and share their local World War histories, and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.”
Download Paul's Chelsea bun recipe
Every Story For Evermore
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and end of the World War 2, we are taking to the road with the For Evermore Tour. Our mobile exhibitions will be travelling the UK, and this is your chance to take part in an amazing event near you.
Come and see us and explore our interactive exhibition, where you can learn more about our work, the men and women who served in the Second World War, and the civilians who supported the war effort from home.
You can search our records, go on a virtual tour of our sites – read the stories of people from the Commonwealth who we commemorate across the world and much more.
80 years on from the end of the Second World War it's never more important, we know of many incredible stories but there's even more we don’t know. Come and visit us and share your story.