VE Day 75 celebrations cancelled but there are ways to celebrate at home
As you will know from the announcement made by HM Government on 16th April 2020, the Coronavirus lockdown has been extended by at least a further three weeks. This means that the community event organised by Woodley Town Council and Woodley Town Centre to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8th May can no longer go ahead as originally planned.
However, the organisers of VE75 hope that some aspects of this important anniversary could still take place on 8th May in ways that allow people to celebrate the VE Day anniversary, while following the essential social distancing advice that ensures everyone remains safe.
Woodley Town Council and Woodley Town Centre would like to encourage its residents to participate in a ‘Stay at Home Party’ while adhering to the social distancing rules. Why not host a picnic in your garden or lounge and decorate your home red, white and blue? Here are some suggestions from the official organisers – don’t forget to join in with the National Toast at 3pm and make this an unforgettable celebration from the safety of your home.
Free BBC Radio Berkshire bunting templates HERE.
Please do share your images with us on our social media pages (@WoodleyCouncil for Facebook and Twitter and @WoodleyTCMI on Twitter) or by emailing: communications@woodley.gov.uk.
Please also share your BBC Radio Berkshire bunting on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75 – don’t forget to tag @WoodleyCouncil and @WoodleyTCMI too!
Friday 8th May
2.55pm: The playing of the Last Post
Buglers, trumpeters and cornet players might like to consider playing the Last Post from the safety of their front or back garden, outside their front door or from their balcony or window. We would ask you not to play in an area that could attract a group of people however.
3pm: The piping of Battle’s O’er and VE 75 Years
As with playing the Last Post, individual pipers could play these two stirring marches from their front or back garden, at their front door or from their balcony or window. It is extremely important to adhere to the Government’s restrictions so bands will not be able to play together and individual pipers should not perform in areas that might attract people.
3pm: The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II
We would very much like to encourage you all to still take part in the Nation’s Toast from the safety of your homes to pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have today. We would invite you stand at 3pm and raise a glass or cup of refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: “For those that gave so much, we thank you.”
6.55pm: The Cry for Peace Around the World
Town criers and others who wish to take part can perform the Cry for Peace from their front or back garden, at their front door or from their balcony or window. The words can be found on the Download page of the VE Day 75 website – www.veday75.org. Please don’t perform it from a place that might encourage people to gather.
