Scarborough Council supporting Royal British Legion's message to celebrate VE Day from home this week

With people unable to attend celebratory events to mark the special anniversary and many off work for the bank holiday, local authorities are encouraging their communities to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the WW2 generation throughout the day at home.

They’ve pulled together a list of top tips on how to ensure celebrations go with a swing and how to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much in WW2:

1) Get crafty with homemade bunting and pictures to decorate your home

2) Get creative in the kitchen with VE Day-inspired retro snacks and baking treats

3) Encourage your children to get involved in your family activities and use the home schooling resources available to download from rbl.org.uk/veday754) Organise a virtual party by video link for your neighbours, family or friends. Don’t forget to show off your homemade decorations and bunting!

5) Although street parties are not possible at the moment, if your street was planning one, you can still honour the occasion in your front garden or on your doorstep, as long as you observe social distancing guidelines

6) Remember that some of your neighbours may not be in a position to celebrate. They may be separated from family and friends, or may be bereaved, or feel intimated by noise. In the true spirit of WW2 communities, look out for the vulnerable, lonely and isolated. Include them or be respectful of their wishes if they don’t want to join in and mindful of how noise may impact on how they are feeling

7) Listen or watch the special VE Day anniversary address by Her Majesty The Queen at 9.00pm

8) Take part in the national moment of remembrance and two minutes silence at 11.00am

9) Watch the Royal British Legion livestream from 11.15am at rbl.org.uk/veday75 - hear stories and memories from those who served and made sacrifices during the war

10) Keep up to date with the day’s events on social media using #VEDay75 and #VEDay75Live

11) Raise your glasses for the national toast at 3pm using the words “To those who gave so much, we thank you.” It’s an opportunity to toast the heroes of the war as well as all those making a difference today in the fight against coronavirus

12) Enjoy an evening of memories and music from 8pm on BBC One

13) Take part in a UK-wide rendition of Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ just after 9pm. Sing along indoors or better still, from your window, doorstep or garden.

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