How to celebrate VE Day at home: From DIY bunting and banners to toasting war heroes

This year is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marked the end of the Second World War on the continent.

Celebrations were set to take place across the UK on May 8, which is a bank holiday this year, including street parties and toasts to the men and women who died during the conflict - more than 400,000 from Britain and its colonies alone.

But since the country went into lockdown to try tlegio slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic - which has claimed more than 26,000 lives in British hospitals alone - many events have been cancelled in line with Government guidance.

Despite this, celebrations will still take place, only mostly from people's homes. Here we look at how to mark VE Day from lockdown.

VE (Victory in Europe) Day celebrations in the East End of London, marking the end of the war in Europe
PA

Moment of silence

There will be a two-minute period of silence at 11 am on May 8 to commemorate those who died in the war.

The silence will be broadcast on the BBC.

The Queen's address to the nation

The Queen in the Second World War
PA

The Queen will give a televised speech on May 8 on the importance of VE Day from Windsor Castle.

Her speech will take place at 9.00 pm, the same time her father George VI spoke to Britain via the radio in 1945 to reveal the end of the war in Europe.

The Queen was 19 when the war ended. She joined the crowds celebrating in central London with her sister Margaret that evening.

After the speech Brits will be invited to join in a nationwide rendition of "We'll Meet Again" by Dame Vera Lynn.

The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly over Buckingham Palace in the day.

Prince Charles will also read from the diary of George VI, his grandfather.

The London Eye will be lit up

As night falls, tourist attraction The London Eye will be lit up in colours of the Union Jack - red, white and blue - to mark the occasion.

VE Day Livestream

The nation is invited to join in with the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) VE Day 75 Livestream. Grab a cup of tea and tune in as the generations of the Second World War and today are brought together to chat about their shared experiences.

Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the 45-minute programme will feature stories from those who served and sacrificed, as well as recognising the difficulties people are experiencing today.

Royal Albert Hall televised concert

For the first time in the Royal Albert Hall’s 150-year history, Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins - the biggest selling classical artist of the century - will perform behind closed doors to an empty auditorium.

The performance will be live-streamed across the world.

Actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight will also perform some of the best-known songs from the 1930s and 40s.

The Red Arrows flying over Buckingham Palace last year
AFP/Getty Images

Stay at home street party

With traditional street parties not allowed under lockdown rules, Brits are encouraged to recreate the feeling at home.

People are asked to hang the bunting in their windows and post pictures on social media with the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75.

There will be a toast to people who lived and died during the war at 3 pm, with those taking part asked to say: "To those who gave so much, we thank you."

The BBC will broadcast two commemorative programmes, including Winston Churchill's speech on VE Day in 1945.

Put a Tommy in the window

Steve Hammond with some of the 25cm high perspex figures which were made by injured veterans in the RBLI's social enterprise factory
PA

The armed forces charity Royal British Legion Industries has asked Brits to put a specially-made 25 cm perspex model of a Second World War British soldier (often known as "Tommies") in their windows.

More than 2,500 of the figures - which are made by injured veterans for the Royal British Legion Industries - have been sold so far.

Bob Gamble, of the Royal British Legion, said: “We are calling on people across the UK to mark the anniversary from home and take part in these national moments of remembrance and thanksgiving.

“There is no right or wrong way to take part in the silence at 11am, some people may wish to stand at their windows or step outside their front door, but we hope that individuals and families across the UK will embrace the opportunity to share in a national moment of reflection.”

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