VE Day Celebrations in Lockdown

May 04 2020 | History What's on

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LOCKDOWN

While commemorations for VE Day won’t be as we’d planned this year, there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion with VE Day celebrations in lockdown. 

Sadly as a result of the coronavirus, there will be no street party vibe festivities at Hever Castle, no picnics on the Castle forecourt or dancing in the marquees but here is all the information you need on what VE Day is, why we celebrate it, and the ways in which you can make sure to mark this special occasion in lockdown in the safety of your own home.

Gain inspiration from last year’s Hever’s Home Front event and create your own VE Day Celebrations at home using this party pack.

VE DAY AT HOME

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When is VE Day?

VE Day 2020 takes place on Friday 8 May. This year to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, it will be on a Bank Holiday. The decision to move the bank holiday from a Monday to a Friday is one that has been made to honour the special day.

What is VE Day?

VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It is the day (8th May 1945) on which Allied forces formally announced the surrender of Germany, when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in Europe and brought a close to World War II in Europe.

Celebrations immediately erupted throughout Great Britain and more than one million people rejoiced in the streets. In London, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth appeared on the balcony alongside Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

In a radio address to the nation, Churchill reminded the nation that the war wasn’t over in Japan but declared “My dear friends, this is your hour. We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing.”

VE Day commemorates all those who lost their lives in battle. It is an opportunity to remember the enormous sacrifices that were made at home and abroad and to joyously celebrate as people did 75 years ago, the arrival of peace in Europe.

How to Commemorate at Home – VE Day Celebrations in Lockdown

Take part in celebrations safely from your own home with this simple guide to celebrating VE Day, 75 years since the end of World War II.

1. Decorations – Hang bunting or decorate your house in red, white and blue (see download for how you can join your BBC Local Radio station initiative in making your own VE Day Great British Bunting. Download everything you need at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference)
2. Music – Download a 1940s playlist or some background music from the era
3. Toast – Undertake the nation’s toast at 3pm (see download)
4. Eat – Make a traditional afternoon tea – finger sandwiches, mini-pastries, homemade cakes and scones
5. Dance – Learn to dance 1940s style (see download and video from Pretty Me Vintage)
6. Dress Code – Dress 1940s style and have a go at creating a 1940s hairstyle (see download)
7. Games – Play traditional games from the era (see download)

VE DAY PRINTABLE 

Enjoy your day!