A Message from The Royal British Legion
On 8th May 2020 our nation is remembering VE day during another very difficult period for our country. We are remembering all those who served to win our peace, and all those who gave the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. This is a time when we are facing different threats. More than ever, it is good to remember we have been through difficult times before, and we did it by working together.
Check out their website for ideas about how you can still celebrate VE Day from your own home. Including live streams on 8th May and a UK wide sing-a-long of We’ll Meet Again.
The Official VE Day Website
This website also has lot’s of ideas about how to celebrate VE Day during social isolation, Including how to have a street party at home, bunting templates, recipes, playlists to sing-a-long too. Plus videos of veterans sharing their own stories.
English Heritage – Dance for VE Day
English Heritage have a brilliant VE Day at Home pack on their website, including song lyrics, bunting and dance steps to encourage everyone to learn The Twist and the Lindy Hop together at home and celebrate VE Day in style!
Manchester Libraries are celebrating too
North West Film Archive
Our partners at The North West Film Arcives have added footage of VE day celebrations from around the North West to their brilliant collection of videos on their Vimeo channel. You can view one of the videos below.
VE Day ebooks and audio books
We have added lots of titles including World War II fiction and top autobiographies to our collections of ebooks and audio books on our Borrowbox site.
Archives+ and Manchester City Council on social media
Throughout April and May, Manchester City Council are posting Archives Plus images of Manchester during World War II and how times once were, including how we celebrated as a city once VE Day came. They are encouraging residents to get in touch if they have a story of a loved one connected with World War II and our veterans. Share your story with them on facebook or twitter.
Join Manchester Youth Council and Manchester Libraries for our Virtual VE Day Celebrations on Twitter #VEDAYMCR
On the 8th May Manchester Youth Council (MYC) will be working with Manchester Libraries using twitter, instagram and facebook to raise awareness of the importance of the day to young people, families and schools and organisations.
MYC took part in the Archives+ twitter hour last week in the run up to VE day and listened to recordings from Manchester Wartime Memories. They then chose a picture or recording to feedback on, these will be posted during the day on twitter using the hashtag #VEDAYMCR on 8th May.
Manchester City Council Advice on Celebrating VE Day at home
In line with social distancing guidance to help stop the spread of coronavirus, city events and celebrations for Victory in Europe Day have been scaled back. Here are some ways we’re encouraging residents to celebrate and get involved.