Stay at home to celebrate VE Day in Eastbourne

With social distancing measures in place, residents are urged to mark to the historical moment with activities at home and online instead.

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Steve Wallis, said: “This year’s celebrations will not be on the scale originally planned but there are still ways to join in the occasion from home. Most importantly, we hope people will take this opportunity to remember and pay tribute to the Second World War generation.”

Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council is encouraging residents to a take part in a front garden tea party to help lift spirits. Children of keyworkers at Eastbourne Academy have been learning about the importance of the day. The Willingdon Branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a socially distancing Last Post ceremony and silence, with its standard bearer at 11am today (Friday) at 34 Woodland Avenue.

Official commemorations marking the day the Second World War ended in Europe will begin at 11am with a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence.

The Prince of Wales will read an extract from King George VI’s diary from May 8, 1945. Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister and the Culture Secretary will take part in video calls with Second World War veterans. Second World War veterans will receive calls from NHS Volunteer Responders. The Queen will send a message to the nation at 9pm. This will be followed by a national sing-a-long of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again. People are encouraged to open their doors and join in with this national moment of celebration

Visit www.ve-vjday75.gov.uk for ideas on how to celebrate at home and templates for decorations.

The London Gala Orchestra was due to present the ultimate musical celebration One Night at the VE Day Proms at The Congress Theatre on April 25.

A spokesperson from Eastbourne Theatres said: “Keep hold of those flags and join them at the Congress Theatre, May 7, 2021.”