Join in VE Day with stay at home street parties

Residents in Rossendale are being invited to join in with a ‘stay at home street party’ to commemorate 75 years since VE Day.

Due to the coronavirus lockdown, plans to mark the anniversary across the borough have had to be cancelled.

But leader of the council, Councillor Alyson Barnes, hopes the residents will celebrate at home with bunting, afternoon tea and a doorstep sing-a-long.

On the bank holiday (Friday, May 8), there’ll also be a national two minute silence at 11am as well as an address from the Queen at 9pm – the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945.

Councillor Barnes said:

“We are in really challenging times and it is such a shame we cannot come together to mark this important anniversary.

“But hopefully we can still commemorate VE Day in our own homes. There’s lots going on nationally we can tap into and there are activities for people get involved with too.

“The message continues to be stay at home, save live and protect the NHS but there is still a lot of fun to be had from our houses.

“We would love to see what people are doing so please send any pictures or videos to us.

Of course, while the end of war in Europe is a time to celebrate, it is also a day of reflection as we remember those who went to war to fight for our freedom, many paying the ultimate sacrifice.”

Here residents can find templates for making 1940s recipes, tips on how to dance the Lindy Hop and a VE Day playlist.

There’s also templates for bunting, colouring in sheets and info on fun, educational resources.

If you want to share what you are doing for VE Day, please send to media@rossendalebc.gov.uk or through Facebook.