VE Day 75 in Tamworth

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Fri 08 May 2020

People in Tamworth are being assured they will not miss out when the whole of Britain commemorates the 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. The people of the nation will come together on Friday to help signal the end of the Second World War in Europe. While the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically curtailed the planned VE Day 75 outdoor events, people are still being encouraged to unite in acts of remembrance by marking the event at home instead of street parades and parties. National events will include a two minutes' silence at 11am, a national toast at 3pm, a speech from the Prime Minister and an address from Her Majesty the Queen at 9pm, followed by a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynne's We'll Meet Again. People are being encouraged to get involved at home by holding 1940s style afternoon tea parties. The Government and English Heritage have created some stay at home party packs including recipes, playlists, bunting templates and window posters to colour in. They can be found by visitinghttps://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/plan-your-ve-day-party/ and www.english-heritage.org.uk/ve-day.



In keeping with the VE Day commemorations, a range of virtual activities have been planned to mark the occasion in Tamworth, Staffordshire. As well as linking in with national events, people will be able to tune in to Tamworth Borough Council's social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to join the festivities. These include a song from Tamworth Voices, dance tutorials, a tribute from the chairman of the Royal British Legion and Tamworth councillor John Chesworth, videos from Tamworth Castle and World War Two recipes. The council is also asking people to share their World War Two photos and memories, as well as pictures of their homes decorated with bunting and their afternoon tea parties. On May 8 itself, local celebrations will be led by the Mayor of Tamworth, Richard Kingstone, who will be hosting his own virtual afternoon tea party between 2pm and 4pm. As well as updating live from his party, he will be asking Tamworth residents to send in their flag waving tea party photos by following The Mayor of Tamworth on Facebook.



Councillor Chesworth, Tamworth Borough Council's Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: "There was so much planned both nationally and locally to mark VE Day, but unfortunately all that has had to be cancelled. However, it's more important than ever for us to unite and do our bit for the country as we take on what is probably our biggest test since the Second World War. In Tamworth, as elsewhere, we will be taking the commemorations online and although people will have to celebrate at home instead, that doesn't mean we can't still come together and share our memories, photographs and festivities. So I would encourage people to follow the social media channels and show us what they are up to. While it's a shame we can't be out in the streets celebrating together in person, the most important thing we can do right now for our country is to stay at home, and we hope that people continue to follow the rules around social distancing, not mixing with those from other households and only going out for exercise and essential journeys."
For more information visit www.tamworth.gov.uk/VE-Day

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!date 08/05/2020 -- 08/05/2020
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