Virtual Picks for VE Day Celebrations – May 8th 2020

In May 1945 Germany surrendered to the Allies and, after six long years of fighting, the war in Europe came to an end. Millions of people up and down the country greeted the news with bonfires, bunting, parades and parties, and there was singing and dancing in the streets…

Whilst we may not be able to do any of those things at the moment!  There’s still tons of great ways to celebrate VE Day. So here’s our round up of some of the best things to do to mark the occasion with the family. 

Here’s what’s going on across the UK:

11am: A two-minute silence will be held to honour the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

11.15am: The nation is invited to join in with the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) VE Day 75 Livestream. Grab a cup of tea and tune in as the generations of the Second World War and today are brought together to chat about their shared experiences. Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the 45-minute programme will feature stories from those who served and sacrificed, as well as recognising the difficulties people are experiencing today.

3pm: The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of World War Two. Take part by raising a glass, cheering and clapping on your doorsteps and saying: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

9pm: A pre-recorded address by the Queen will be broadcast at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8 1945.

9pm: Fancy a sing-along? After the Queen’s address, the nation is invited to come together in a rendition of Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again on BBC One.

Downloadable Resource Pack from English Heritage

This pack will help you put together your own celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day and get you into the spirit.

It has recipes for tasty 1940s dishes to serve on the day, a VE Day poster to display in celebration, lyrics to popular 1940s songs and even tips for dancing the Lindy hop swing! Download it here

The Big Neighbourhood V.E Day Family Festival! 

ARTventurers-style are going to be encouraging children of all ages to get creative – decorating homes and gardens to commemorate this special day. They’re also going to be running a free programme of online sessions during the course of the day with lots of their favourite children’s activities providers taking part so that you can enjoy a fun-packed festival timetable.

The easiest way to join in with all of the build up, fun activities and with the online sessions during the day is to join The Big Neighbourhood V.E Day Family Festival! Facebook community group.

Just click HERE to access the pack, full of free VE Day printables and downloads for you to use at home, including “invites” you can send to friends and neighbours to invite them to join in the fun too! Keep visiting the Facebook group too for lots more information and ideas too to help you create a fun packed home event..

The Official 75th VE Day Website

Explore this website for ways everyone can continue to pay tribute to the Second World War generation on VE Day. It includes Veteran’s stories, recipes from Nadiya Hussain and Prue Leith and ways to get involved and ideas on how to celebrate from home. Have a look through their VE Day Party planner here

VE Day Craft Ideas and Wartime Recipes from Preston Park Museum and Grounds

Offers lots of things you can make together as a family to get ready for the 75th anniversary. Even though celebrations will be happening at home or in our gardens, that’s no reason not to make our parties special! Full of ideas including step by step instructions on how to make your own paper flower, Poppy bunting and recipes including Wartime Chocolate spread, and Carrot and Potato Scones!

Royal Albert Hall – VE Day Celebrations with Katherine Jenkins (6pm Friday 8th May) 

Join mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins as she delivers a historic set from an empty Royal Albert Hall to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

 This concert will give the nation a moment to pay tribute to the fallen men and women of the Second World War and salute the country’s VE Day Veterans, many of whom are experiencing uncertainty and isolation. It is also our opportunity to thank the Armed Forces who, alongside the NHS and many others, are coming together to serve the country. Make an Online donations here

National Trust – Places with Second World Connections

The National Trust are featuring some of their homes, trinkets, letters and games with Second World War connections, which create a fascinating insight into WW11 

From weapons testing sites and a D-Day training area, to homes for evacuees and secret military bases, many of the National Trust places, and the people who lived there, played a crucial role in the Second World War. See more HERE

Celebrate VE Day 75 at home with Bletchley Park

By spring 1945, almost 9,000 people were working at Bletchley Park and its Outstations.

On Friday 8 May 2020 Bletchley Park will be marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day online with a digital ‘Nation’s Toast’ at 3pm, and a special recording of a VE Day speech by ‘Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’.

Visit the website where you will find more activities and fascinating VE Day archive material in the run up to VE Day 75.

Download the Bletchley Park VE day pack HERE..

They are also looking for you to share your home videos. Videos can be short, funny, emotional, as long as it demonstrates how you and your family celebrate the day at home. Submission by May 20th. All details in the pack. 

Baking Ideas + Craft Ideas

Why not bake a quintessentially British afternoon tea for VE Day. You could try your hand at some perfectly rectangle finger sandwiches, along with handmade scones and some indulgent sweet treats to finish. See HERE for how to put together the ultimate Afternoon tea!  Or make a simple WW2 Spitfire Glider Activity Paper Craft or do some colouring in with these VE Day 75th Anniversary Colouring Sheets.

Check out more at https://www.twinkl.co.uk/

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