Commemorating VE Day 80: Reflecting, Remembering, Honouring

In May 1945, families across the nation rejoiced at the long-awaited news that World War II was over in Europe.

While our modern celebrations may look different, there are still meaningful and joyful ways you can mark the occasion.

1. Get Involved:

Come to the Healthworks Garden Party!

Places are limited – please contact j[email protected] to book yours!

Visit the VE80 website to find more events and activities to get involved in.

Check out the BBC’s Guide to VE80 celebrations.

2. Get Crafty

Decorate your home, garden, or windows in honour of the day! There are fantastic online resources offering everything from DIY bunting to printable posters.

The VE and VJ Day 80 toolkit contains brand resources including logos and will grow to incorporate bunting templates, activity sheets and more.

3. Get Cooking

Have a go at some Traditional Wartime Recipes, using local and available ingredients from during and after the war.

These recipes were shared by local residents and have been passed down through generations.

Visit Our Resource Library for more recipe books and videos.

4. Get Dancing

The Lindy Hop is a swing dance that originated in New York in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

It gained popularity in the UK in the 1940s mainly thanks to the American servicemen stationed here during the Second World War.

It’s great way of getting active and lots of fun so if you fancy giving it a go English Heritage have step by step instructions and there’s loads of videos online too!

Finally, Let’s Remember…

Let’s remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of that generation.

Tthose who served on the front lines, supported the war effort at home, and endured great hardship so that future generations could live in peace.

Their courage, resilience, and unity continue to inspire us today.