Happy VE Day!
VE DAY celebrations may have been disrupted this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but a number of events will still be going ahead. So how is VE Day celebrated?
Also known as Victory in Europe Day, VE Day marks the Nazis' surrender to allied forces and the end of the war in Europe. Despite the coronavirus outbreak, the UK has pulled out all the stops to celebrate this historic moment in British history today.
On May 8th, 1945 Sir Winston Churchill announced the war in Europe had come to an end. Thousands of people rushed to the streets to celebrate, and pictures of the day show Trafalgar Square in London flooded with people.
How is the UK celebrating VE Day this year?
“At home” events have been planned to commemorate VE Day’s anniversary.
At 3pm, people are also being invited to take to their doorsteps to raise a glass and clap during The Nation's Toast to the Heroes of World War Two. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make a speech for the occasion. Extracts of Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech will also be read out.
On BBC One at 8pm tonight, there will be a special VE Day programme - VE Day 75: The People’s Celebrations. As part of the programming, the Queen will be giving a special address to the nation tonight at 9pm. Following the Queen’s speech, Dame Vera Lynn will lead the nation in a singalong of her classic war song We’ll Meet Again, from a window in her home.
We’ll Meet Again has once again become synonymous with Britain’s spirit during a crisis, after the Queen referenced the famous lyrics at the end of her speech to the nation last month.
Years of planning went into this year’s VE Day celebrations, which originally included plans for a procession down The Mall and a special service at Westminster Abbey. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic these events have been cancelled.
Although people are currently adhering to social distancing measures, many people are planning to celebrate the historic day with virtual parties online with loved ones. Many are hanging bunting up in their houses to mark the occasion, and having distancing “tea parties” with neighbours and members of their household in their gardens.
If you’re struggling for some quick ideas and decorations, there’s a fantastic wealth of resources on the government website.
Join us in celebrating a tremendous victory of the past, and lets give ourselves a little bit of hope for the future. Post your pictures, ideas, and tips to our social media – we’d love to hear from you!