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.
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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.
Enjoy your day!
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.