STREET parties, parades and celebrations were set to bring the country together on Friday, May 8 for the 75thanniversary of VE Day.
And despite the coronavirus lockdown, households and communities are still planning to mark the special occasion by decorating their homes and holding stay-at-home parties.
May 8, 1945 marked the end of World War Two in Europe, sparking celebrations in Britain and seeing people come together for street parties.
Now, 75 years on that is set to be replicated – while adhering to social distancing regulations – along with other celebrations.
Locally, the Lees, Springhead and Grotton (LSG) Business Hub is working with the Lees and District Royal British Legion to hold virtual celebrations on Friday, May 8 from 11am to late.
They are encouraging people to decorate their homes in red, white and blue, to hang bunting and, weather permitting, enjoy a party with a picnic in the garden. VE Day themed dress is encouraged.
They will be posting videos on their Facebook page of local happenings such as the laying of wreaths, playing of the Last Post, and The Cry for Peace around the World.
There will be a message at 12noon from The Mayor of Oldham Cllr Ginny Alexander before Marcus Emms, the Shaw and Crompton Town Crier, announces the opening of the Virtual VE Day 75th celebrations.
There will be more fun activities and celebrations, including live entertainment from local singer Kelly Tracey, throughout the afternoon.
Find and more and post your photos and videos on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lsgbusinesshub/
They are also inviting children from across Oldham to enter their VE Day Art competition.
Be creative and draw or paint a picture, write a poem or create a model. There will be prizes for categories in three age groups: up to five; six to eight; nine to 11 years old.
All entries must be posted to the Facebook event or page before Friday, May 8. Judging will take place during the celebrations on May 8.
Across Saddleworth and Oldham, there are activities planned to span the week, including a Facebook LIVE themed Rhyme Time, and a singalong, organised by Oldham Libraries.
Oldham Council Leader, Councillor Sean Fielding, said: “VE Day was a victory over the far-right in Europe that was only achieved with huge sacrifice.
“Even in these unusual circumstances it is therefore important to mark the 75th anniversary to both remember this sacrifice and reflect on what it was that our ancestors were fighting against.
“The values of freedom, democracy, tolerance and respect that triumphed 75 years ago are not a given, and so celebrating VE Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of these values, reaffirm our commitment to upholding them and have the confidence to call out those who do not.
“I’m sure Oldham residents will join me in commemorating the anniversary with the same commitment as we do for Remembrance Sunday.
“However, whilst we are still in lockdown our celebrations will have to take place at home.
“Although it would have been great to have participated in some of the events that had been planned, we have to remain safe and not put ourselves, our family or our friends at risk by gathering together at this challenging time.”
For a list of local and national activities, visit https://www.oldham.gov.uk/ve75.
Nationally, a two-minute silence will take place at 11am, broadcast on the BBC, and then there will be a ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3pm.
And The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a flypast over Buckingham Palace.
Visit the official VE Day 75 government website for party planning ideas plus food tips to help you celebrate at home. There is also an online toolkit, including bunting and posters that can be printed out and displayed at home.
Are you holding an event or street party? Let us know and send us your pictures: aimee@localcommunications.co.uk
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