VE Day at Home
When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020 it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved-ones and to hope for the future, but not forgetting those still in conflict until 15th August when it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.
The 75th anniversary will provide our nation, and our friends around the world, with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw us through this dark and terrifying period.
To commemorate this important time a three-day international celebration had been organised to take place from 8th May to 10th May 2020. Unfortunately, due to the terrible Coronavirus emergency and consequent Government guidance the majority of these celebrations have either had to be cancelled or postponed. At time of press, it is hoped that events can be moved to the weekend of 15th – 16th August when we will be able to celebrate VE Day and VJ Day, both momentous points in our history, but this has yet to be confirmed.
However, in true British spirit, the current lockdown situation does not stop us from making our own victory party celebrations at home to mark this momentous occasion. Check out these wonderful resources online to ensure your VE Day at Home goes with a swing.
Make your own bunting, ginger beer, cheese and marmite swirls, homity pie, spam hash or victory sausage rolls, learn to dance the Lindy Hop, or download song sheets for We’ll Meet Again, Sing as We Go, Roll out the Barrel and many many more.
Musical Downloads
Visit Spotify and download the Dance for VE Day playlist from English Heritage or VE Day 75 Celebrations from Bletchley Park
VE Day at Home Packs and Resources
www.bit.ly/EnglishHeritageVEDaypack
www.bit.ly/VEVJdaypartyplan
www.bit.ly/BletchleyParkVEDayPack
