Celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day at home with wartime sing-alongs and stay at home street parties
Havering will join national celebrations in marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day next week – honouring and remembering those who fought in the Second World War.
Planned celebrations for the borough have had to be cancelled due to the Covid 19 crisis, but people around Havering are being encouraged to host their own ‘Stay at Home Street Parties’, decorating their homes, windows and gardens to turn Havering red, white and blue.
As part of the celebratory preparations, Havering Council will be hosting a ‘How to make your own bunting’ session on its Facebook page on Friday 1 May, and printable assets for parties are available on the BBC website.
A series of wartime sing-alongs will be taking place on the Facebook page throughout the day, with Rainham Village Primary School choir mistress Patricia Sanders taking everyone back in time, paying homage to England’s old favourite, Dame Vera Lynn.
Havering-based group Victory Vixens will also be performing a selection of wartime hits, including, Bye Bye Blackbird and Pack Up Your Troubles.
In addition, a tribute band of local singers who have (virtually) come together especially for VE Day will be performing the much-loved close harmony hits of The Andrew Sisters.
Colonel Mark Bryant MBE DL, the representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Havering, will be sharing a video message on the page, reflecting on the importance of remembrance, before everyone across the country will be encouraged to take part in The Nation’s Toast at 3pm, marking the time and date that the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, declared the war in Europe was over.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"Although circumstances out of our control have made our original celebration plans impossible, it is still important to remember and acknowledge this vital milestone in our history.
“By taking part either through decorating their houses with bunting, taking part in the wartime sing- along, or coming together safely as a family in their living rooms or gardens, I hope everyone gets involved and helps mark the special date in the borough’s and country’s history.”