Celebrating VE day at home

VE day, also known as Victory in Europe Day, marks the day when the guns fell silent and World War Two (WW2) came to an end in Europe. It is celebrated on 8 May, and this year marks 75 years since the end of the war.

To acknowledge this milestone, the UK early May Bank Holiday was moved to Friday 8 May so the country could come together over a three-day weekend of commemorative events. Unfortunately, these event have now been cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, but that doesn’t mean celebrations have to stop. We have gathered a few ideas to help you take part in the day while at home and ensure this important milestone doesn’t pass by without celebration.

Hold a stay at home street party 

Families in the same households are being encouraged to decorate their homes in red, white and blue to take part in stay at home street parties.

English heritage have created a VE Day at home pack which includes 1940s recipes to serve on the day, a celebration poster to display at your window plus a Spotify playlist and lyrics of popular 1940s songs. View the pack here. 

If you enjoy being creative and crafting, the BBC website have templates and guides to help you make your own VE Day 75 ‘Great British Bunting’. Once complete, hang your creations in the window of your home for others to enjoy! Visit the BBC website for more. 

Join the two-minute silence 

At 11am on Friday 8 May, there will be a moment of Remembrance as we are all encourage to pause for a two-minute silence. There are many ways you can join in from stepping outside your home (while keeping a safe distance from others), taking a moment to reflect on your own or by watching the broadcast on BBC One. 

Visit the virtual VE Day 75 Festival 

The Royal Air Force Museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the National Army Museum are coming together to host a virtual VE Day 75 Festival from Thursday 7 – Saturday 9 May.   The three-day programme is fully accessible online and will include live talks, stories from the Fighting Front and 1940s swing dance classes. 

A national toast to the Heroes of WW2 

The VE day website are encouraging everyone who is celebrating to take part in the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on Friday 8 May. With a drink of your choice, raise your glass and join the ‘Toast’ – “To those who gave us so much, we thank you”. Read more on the VE Day website. 

Watch the broadcast from her Majesty the Queen 

A pre-recorded message form the Queen will be broadcast on BBC One at 9pm on Friday 8 May, the same hour as her farther, King George VI, made his radio address to mark the end of the war.

 

Join the national sign-a-long 

Immediately after the Queens speech at 9pm, the public will be encouraged to open their doors and join in a national sign along of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Dame Vera Lynn.