Lots of residents all over the town decorated their homes for VE Day 75th anniversary.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, the Community Street Party originally planned in West Bridgford on Friday May 8 has unfortunately been cancelled.
Residents were urged to have parties in their homes, socially distanced on their front gardens and drives, or indoors.
Here are some of the fantastically decorated houses we spotted this afternoon.
National events you can follow on the day
Her Majesty The Queen will send a message to the nation to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day as a programme of national events will allow residents in Rushcliffe to remember and give thanks to the Second World War generation from the safety of their own homes.
The Royal British Legion will also conduct a programme of events for people to participate in from home and access the activities at www.rbl.org.uk/veday75
Here’s how you can follow the day:
11am: The official commemorations begin with a national moment of remembrance and a two minute silence. Please observe this at home or if doing so outdoors, ensuring you follow social distancing advice.
11.15am: A VE Day 75 livestream from the Legion available at www.rbl.org.uk/veday75 will share stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War, and recognising the difficulties people are experiencing today.
3pm: Why not join the tea at 3 campaign? Join others in a cuppa to celebrate the day!
There’s also chance to join in with The Nations Toast. Take part by raising a glass, cheering and clapping on your doorsteps and saying “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”
8pm: The Legion has partnered with the BBC to honour and celebrate the Second World War generation with an evening of memories and music from 8pm on BBC One.
9pm: The day will culminate in Her Majesty’s message to the nation on BBC One, the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945.
There will then be a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’. You are encouraged to open your doors and join in with this national moment of celebration.
Other key points The Royal Family will perform include:
- His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will read an extract from King George VI’s diary from 8 May 1945 which describes the day including The Royal Family’s iconic Buckingham Palace balcony appearances.
- The Royals, the Prime Minister and the Culture Secretary will take part in a series of video calls with Second World War veterans and those who served on the Home Front.
- As part of special BBC programming, extracts from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech will recreate the moment peace in Europe was announced 75 years ago at 3pm and the Prime Minister will speak about the importance of VEDay.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury will record a special reflection and moment of prayer for VE Day.
- NHS Volunteer Responders will be deployed to give a number of Second World War veterans a call and provide an opportunity to share their stories.
