And Sunderland was no exception as thousands of people turned out to welcome the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Today, on the anniversary of that momentous occasion we look back on VE Day and other photos from 1945 in Wearside.
We have scenes of evacuees after years of being separated from loved ones. And we have reminders of how life went on during the war.
But most of all, we have photos from the day it all came to an end, in Europe at least. Take a look.
5. It's finally true. War has ended
The announcement of the unconditional surrender of Germany. These Sunderland people gathered in the town centre to hear it. Photo: SE
6. Such a big announcement
The scene outside Durham Cathedral after the special service of thanksgiving and commemoration for the Women's Voluntary Service in the North Eastern Region. The photograph shows Sunderland members on parade in 1945. Photo: SE
7. Life went on
It was life as normal in March 1945 as these Sunderland women were pictured in training at the Old Eye Infirmary in Stockton Road. The building was taken over by a firm of tailors to prepare key personnel for their new clothing factory on Wearside. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Going home in 1945
Evacuees go home to London just weeks after VE Day. These evacuees were waiting to board the train at Sunderland Central Station. Photo: Sunderland Echo