By Public urged to continue with lockdown over VE Day bank holiday
Despite talks of relaxing lockdown measures next week, the Government are urging the public to continue to adhere to the lockdown over the VE Day bank holiday.
Due to a sunny weather forecast in certain areas, and reports that measures might soon be eased, concerns have been raised that the public may be getting “mixed messages”.
VE Day, otherwise known as Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War Two in Europe in 1945.
Across the nation, commemorative celebrations were due to take place over a three-day weekend from May 8 to May 10, with May Day Bank Holiday moved to Friday.
Most of these have now been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.
In light of the current situation, we’ve put together a list of ways you can safely commemorate VE Day during lockdown:
Across the nation, people have been decorating their homes and streets with flags and poppies to honour the sacrifices made by those who served and lost their lives in conflicts.
Others plan on using video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Skype to host virtual street parties.
Elsewhere, whole streets are hosting ‘front-garden parties’, with people taking to their front lawns or driveways to enjoy afternoon tea, music and dancing at a safe distance from neighbours.
Several organisations have suggested ways in which the whole nation can get involved, including the English Heritage Organisation, who have put together a ‘VE Day at Home Party Pack’, full of 1940s recipes, music and dance ideas, to help you celebrate safely with your household.
The Imperial War Museum have also contributed. On Friday, they will launch a VE Day Soundscape, which will contain stories of four-minute accounts from people who came together during the war and their recollections of what happened when the fighting ended.
The Queen will make a televised address, at 9pm tomorrow, which will be followed by a UK-wide sing-along to Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again, led by 103-year-old Dame Vera herself.
There will also be a two minute silence at 11am on Friday to mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives and loved ones in the war.
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