PEOPLE in South East Cornwall are being encouraged to put out flags and bunting and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a ‘stay at home street party’.

Restrictions due to the coronavirus have meant the cancellation of large-scale events, many months in the planning, that had been organised in towns such as Saltash, Torpoint and Liskeard.

But for many there’s a sense of wartime spirit around the current situation, and with tomorrow (Friday) a bank holiday, it’s hoped that families and neighbours will make an effort to decorate their homes and gardens and come out to mark the occasion with others, at a social distance.

In Torpoint, a ’virtual VE Day’ is being organised on Facebook, and in Saltash, residents are being encouraged to decorate their homes and gardens for a competition.

There are also plenty of chances to get involved with the national VE Day events through the day:

11am: A two-minute silence will be held, both to honour the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation as well as reflecting on the impact COVID-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

11.15am: The Royal British Legion’s (RBL) VE Day 75 Livestream. A 45-minute programme will feature stories from those who served and sacrificed, as well as recognising the difficulties people are experiencing today.

Toast

3pm: A toast to the heroes of the Second World War. Take part by raising a glass, cheering and clapping on your doorsteps and saying: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

9pm: A pre-recorded address by the Queen will be broadcast at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8, 1945. It will be followed by a nationwide sing-along. BBC One is inviting people to come together in a rendition of Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again on BBC One.

In Saltash, the VE 75 committee are hoping that some of the celebrations planned for May 8 can be revisited after the restrictions lift.

In the meantime they’re inviting residents to enter a competition. ‘We’re encouraging you to bedeck your gardens, patios and windows with Union Flags, bunting and any other WW2 memorabilia said member Sue Hooper. ‘If you would like to participate please send a photograph of your display to saltash

[email protected]. The committee will then choose their favourite entry and award a small prize.’

Local singer Flo Bonner will be performing Vera Lynn's 'White Cliffs of Dover' in her street, and she's recorded the song for people to listen on her YouTube channel at