Nottingham’s Council House will be illuminated red, white and blue to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory In Europe (VE) Day this week.
The milestone on Friday (8 May) was to be celebrated with a number of planned events taking place across the city, but the current lockdown measures have forced these to be cancelled.
Instead, the City Council has created a ‘HOME Front’ web page to help families and households join in. This includes a range of ideas and activities which are safe to undertake while maintaining social distancing and adhering to Government guidelines.
HOME Front runs alongside the City Council’s #StayingHome website which offers advice, support and ideas for learning and entertainment during lockdown.
It is also a response to the Royal British Legion’s announcement of its own programme of activity and request for the nation to get involved from home, and pay tribute to the entire Second World War generation.
This includes:
- Two-minute silence at 11am
- Invite to celebrate ‘virtually’ the Nation’s Toast at 3pm by raising a glass, cheering, and clapping on doorsteps
- Details of the BBC concert running from 8pm and the Queen’s Address at 9pm
- Links to the Royal British Legion resources available for learning and celebrating
- Arts and crafts kits, plus VE Day-themed projects
- Downloadable posters, bunting and flags to decorate homes.
The HOME Front page will be updated regularly with new resources as they are developed.
This will feature dedicated VE Day content from Nottingham City Council’s Museums and Libraries Services, such as quizzes, drawing and colouring competitions and blogs based around items in the collections. There will also be a gallery of Second World War images and links to the 508 Parachute Regiment, which was stationed at Wollaton during the war.
Councillor Rebecca Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “This year marks a really important milestone in our country’s history – the 75th anniversary of Victory In Europe. It’s right that we all take a moment to remember the efforts and sacrifices made on our behalf by soldiers and citizens at the time.
“Clearly this was not how we envisaged celebrating VE Day – we had hoped to put on a number of events across Nottingham. However, it’s really important that people remain at home at the current time to protect each other and the NHS.
“To help mark this historic event during the lockdown restrictions we have created a dedicated web page where you can download flags, bunting and posters, plus information on how to get involved and educational material to look at with children. We will also be lighting up the Council House in red, white and blue on the evening of 8 May.” Visit the HOME Front page at: https://nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ve-day-75