-
How it all began - VE Day!
When is VE Day 2020?
While May Day is traditionally held on a Monday, it will be
put back to Friday 8 May 2020. The May Day bank
holiday has only been moved once before, when it was
shifted from 1st May to 8th May in 1995 to mark the 50th
anniversary of VE Day.
Why are we celebrating VE Day?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day, which took
place on Tuesday, May 8th in 1945. It marked the end of
World War II in Europe.
How was VE Day celebrated in 1945?
In 1945, 50,000 people packed into Piccadilly
Circus(London) waving flags, dancing and singing. Prime
Minister Winston Churchill declared a national holiday
during a broadcast from the War Cabinet Office and King
George VI addressed the nation on the radio, paying
tribute to those who “laid down their lives” during the war.
-
What’s happening on the day?
•11am — Two-minute national silence to remember the declaration
of victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
•2.45pm - 3.45pm — The first of two special BBC One programmes
to mark VE75, including extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s
victory speech delivered at 3pm on VE Day.
•Afternoon — Britons encouraged to hold 1940s-style afternoon
tea parties at home rather than street parties, including homemade
bunting and recipes from the era. We’ve even included a recipe for
you to try at home!
•9pm — Address by the Queen followed by national doorstep
rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
The Royal British Legion said it hoped that the public will
still participate in the occasion wholeheartedly. “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.”
-
• On 8th May 1945, people celebrated VE Day with street parties
and picnics.
• Although we can’t do that at the moment, you can take part in
the anniversary celebrations by having your own picnic party in
your back garden or at home. Why don’t you draw up a list of what
you will be having and let us know!
• Once you have planned your family picnic or party, how about
organising some games? During the war, children didn't have much
but it didn't stop them from having fun!
During the war, people were encouraged to plant their own fruit
and vegetables. Men, women
and children used to grow their own food especially as a lot of
food was rationed and hard to get.
Why don’t you and your family give it a try?
• Carrots, radishes, cucumbers and onions can be grown in
planters or in the ground.
• If you don’t have a garden you can grow lettuce, herbs and
garlic on your window sill.
• All they need is some good compost, water, sunlight and a bit
of care.
You can also share your photos on the day! We would love to see
you all having fun at home whilst being part of the anniversary
celebration. Send your pictures to
[email protected]
Don’t forget to check our the ‘creativity’ section on the Ipsley
website. Have a look at what the teachers’ have been up to for VE
day!
Games to play with the family!
mailto:[email protected]
-
Get your bake on!
-
Instructions
Step 1: Copy or trace the design of the flags from this
slide.
Step 2: grab your pencils, pens or paints and decorate your
flags!
Step 3: Cut out the flags carefully (ask an adult if you need
help!)
Step 4: Lay out and stick your flags on to string or ribbon.
Step 5: Hang your bunting around the house or garden!
