Eastbourne residents urged to stay at home to celebrate VE Day anniversary

With social distancing measures in place, Eastbourne council is urging residents to mark to the historical moment with activities at home and online instead.

Scores of events in eastbourne, Hailsham and the surrounding villages have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Eastbourne mayor Steve Wallis, said, “This year’s celebrations will not be on the scale orginally 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.

“They gave so much to secure peace and prosperity in Europe and we owe them a great deal.”

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.

Other plans for the day include:

The Prince of Wales will read an extract from King George VI’s diary from 8 May, 1945

Members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister and the Culture Secretary will take part in video calls with Second World War veterans

Churchill’s famous victory speech will be broadcast as part of BBC special programming

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 singalong 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

The mayor said, “Whether you are planning a stay-at-home party or simply raising a toast, do join in this special day while staying safe.”

For more details about VE Day activities visit ve-vjday75.gov.uk/

Anyone wishing to decorate their home with bunting or posters for a party at home can print out templates from that website by clicking on ‘toolkit’.

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