The British government changed 2020’s May Day bank holiday to Friday 8th May to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE day. The purpose was to have an extended weekend full of celebration but that was before Covid struck and forced the nation to go on lockdown.
It doesn’t mean we still can’t celebrate though! I will be providing some ideas to celebrate VE day at home with the kids which will include loads of learning so I also have your home schooling covered for the day! There have been lots of suggestions of social distancing street parties this year! I will not be suggesting that here. Lets all remember to stay safe!
What is VE Day and why do we celebrate it?
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. On May 8th, 1945, 75 years ago, allied forces announced the surrender of Germany in Europe, ending World War 2. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister at the time, broadcasted live to the nation at 3pm to announce that the war was over. A crowd of 50,000 celebrated the momentous event in Piccadilly Circus, London, cheering and waving flags in the street!
How to celebrate VE Day at home with the kids
I have provided 6 easy ideas to celebrate VE Day at home this year.
Take part in the 2 minute silence at 11am
Turn the radio off, stop the hoover or whatever it is you will be doing and join in with the traditional two-minute silence to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. BBC One will be doing a live braodcast
Bake a Cake
If like us you have run out of flour and can’t find any anywhere, try making this amazing chocolate orange cheesescake, recipe provided by Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen. I made one a few years ago for Easter and it was delicious
Make Union Jack Bunting
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I love this hand print union jack bunting by Entertaining Monsters
Make mock-tails
Get ready to toast the veterans by making some delicious mocktails. These 17 mocktail ideas from Brit + Co are full of yummy ingredients, including some of your 5 a day!
Watch Winston Churchill’s historic speach
Tune in to BBC One at 2.45pm to watch “The Announcement of Victory” speech Winston Churchill made on this day, 75 years ago. This is great way for children to get an insight into what the public will have heard on that significant day all those years ago.
Host a virtual tea party
Invite friends and family to a virtual afternoon tea party via Zoom, Houseparty or FaceTime. Eat the cake you made earlier and raise a glass of your mocktail to all the heroes from WW2 at 3pm
Let me know how you celebrated VE Day and stayed safe during lockdown.
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