Here's what you can do to celebrate VE Day during lockdown

And this year marks its 75th anniversary since it was announced that Nazi Germany had unconditionally surrendered, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Many streets, councils, and organisations had big plans to celebrate the day, but because of the current coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in a worldwide lockdown and strict social distancing rules, these have had to be cancelled or postponed.

The UK is also being asked to come together at 9pm to sing Dame Vera’s classic song ‘We’ll Meet Again’ outside their homes be that in their gardens or stood in the street.

A number of different councils across the county are asking members of the public to have their own stay at home party. Flyers have been shared asking people to decorate their house in red, white and blue flags, enjoy a picnic in their own garden with good food and games and commemorate the anniversary with their family.

People who were due to perform at events are planning to take it to their local streets including singers and stilt walkers.

Stanley Northeast, who was born in Arundel and lived in Wick for many years, was looking forward to seeing his fellow veterans – some for the last time – for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Second World War in Europe. But with the coronavirus lockdown events have been postponed. So summoning up that can-do wartime spirit, Stanley wants the nation to ‘clap for victory’ at 7.45pm on that date to mark the occasion, inspired by the weekly clap for NHS staff taking place each Thursday.

On the VE Day event website it wants people to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on May 8, from the safety of their own home by standing up and raise a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertake the following ‘toast’: “To those who gave so much, we thank you,” using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

At 7.05pm town criers from around the UK are being asked to do the reading ‘Cry for Peace Around the World’ from home and live on Facebook.

Bob Smytherman, county and Worthing borough councillor for Tarring, said: “As a town crier I will be taking part and it will coincide with town criers from around the world doing the same thing from their homes.”

Alongside national events taking place, some local residents are hoping people will join in celebrating in new and interesting ways.

In Chatsmore Crescent, Goring-by-Sea residents will be taking part in a social distancing street party.

Organiser James Watt said:

“In the newsletter that I am making and posting each week to our residents, they have been encouraged to decorate the outside of their porches in red white and blue whether that be bunting, balloons, flags or anything else.

“A lot of the residents have been joining in with the entertainment.

“I am organising some games such as play your cards right, and street bingo (which we did last week).”

Circus entertainer and performed Nick Cook is based in Durrington.

He said: “I was due to be debuting my new WW2 nine foot stilt walking military costume in Lee-on-Solent over the VE weekend but sadly as I can’t do that I will be walking around my area in full costume on the Friday to pay tribute to our war heroes.

“The costume is authentic uniform and the trouser material have been made by a film costume designer in London that made the uniforms for the film 1917, I also have brand new massive shiny boots to go on the end of my stilts. So the uniform is to a very high standard.”

Kim Bonsor is a care home singer and was booked to perform at some VE day shows which have been cancelled.

Since lockdown started she has been performing gigs in her back garden which have been streamed online and shown in care homes.

She said: “I have decided to treat all the people of St Andrews Road, Tarring to a patriotic performance on VE Day.

“This one will be slightly different as I plan to do it in the front garden, and plan to be up high on the back on my husband’s truck.

“We’re going to get some flags and hopefully a Union Jack dress made and the neighbours will come out of there houses to watch and hopefully sing along.

“I think it could look quite spectacular and be another occasion to lift spirits.”

Littlehampton Museum will be hosting a virtual talk by museum curator Charlotte Burford.

It will be a YouTube video presentation, the link to watch the video will be posted on Friday, May 8 via its Facebook page.She said“The title of the talk is Victory in Littlehampton: A seaside town at war 1939-1945.

“We will also have an virtual exhibition about Littlehampton During WWII showing some of the objects which we have within the museum’s collections.”

Further details will be shared on its social media channels.

Are you holding an event? Send us pictures and you may feature in the paper and online.

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