Torbay residents are being encouraged to celebrate VE Day 75 from their homes and gardens this Bank Holiday Friday.

This special celebratory day marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day when it will be 75 years since this Allied victory in Europe during the Second World War.

Due to COVID-19 events across the country which were planned to celebrate and commemorate this significant event in history have been cancelled, but you can still join in with marking this occasion by arranging a party at home, with members of your household.

To help everyone get in the mood and mark this special day at home, there are lots of resources online where you can pay tribute to the Second World War generation.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture for Torbay Council, said “Despite being at home, we can all still show our support and celebrate this historic occasion. We are encouraging as many local residents as possible, to make the most of this special day, whether it be making and displaying VE Day decorations or trying out a new recipe. If you are planning on hosting your own VE Day Celebration, please remember to follow the social distancing guidelines and only celebrate with the family or friends that you live at home with you.”

Councillor Nicole Amil, Armed Forces Champion, Torbay Council, said “Having worked with local Veteran Associations and Armed Forces here in Torbay for a number of years, and as a local member of the Royal British Legion, we are calling on residents to show their support for VE Day 75 from their homes. During the National ‘Two-Minute’ silence at 11am, not only will we remember and reflect the service and recognition of the entire Second World War generation, but also the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on so many lives across the world. The circumstances today are different to those 75 years ago, but the response of our communities remains the same.”

VE day in your home

The government’s VE Day website has a toolkit full of resources including bunting and posters that you can print and display in your home and windows to show you are marking the day.

Host your own party at home, trying out some recipes from the 1940’s including Homity Pie and a Preserved Lemon Traybake. A party isn’t complete without a playlist, the 1940s was known for big band and jazz. For more inspiration head to the plan your VE Day party page.

English Heritage also have an online party pack which includes lyrics to popular 1940s songs and tips for dancing the Lindy hop swing.

The celebrations can be followed throughout the day across national television and media channels who have dedicated programming scheduled.

At the heart of the commemorations will be a special address from Her Majesty The Queen at 9pm – the exact time her father spoke to the nation three quarters of a century ago.

Some of the programming highlights include;

The Nation Remembers

At 11am, a poignant two-minute silence in a national moment of remembrance to pay tribute to the heroes of the past and present.

The Announcement of Victory

At 2.45pm, there will be a broadcast of Sir Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech in which he addressed the nation to announce the end of the war in Europe.

The People’s Celebration

At 8pm, in partnership with the Royal British Legion there will be a unique musical celebration to unite the nation.

Further programming information can be found on the VE Day 75 website.

You can share your at home VE Day celebrations across social media using the hashtag #VEDay75.

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