VE Day Celebrations 2020

by webmaster | Events, VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations, World War Two

The planned activities for the socially distanced village’s celebration of Victory in Europe Day. We will be adding video, images and further descriptions of the events once they have taken place.

We would especially like to record the village joining in with “We’ll Meet Again” at 5 o’clock, but would love to record any other history our village may be making on the day.

Programme of Events>v

Friday May 8th

2.55pm Playing of The Last Post by Charles Morgan from the balcony above the Post Office

Buglers, trumpeters and cornet players might like to consider playing The Last Post from the safety of their front or back garden, outside their front door or from their balcony or window. We would ask you not to play in an area that could attract a group of people however.

3.00pm The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WWII, broadcast simultaneously throughout the village to accompany your socially distanced celebrations from the safety of your own homes.

We would very much like to encourage you all to still take part in the Nation’s Toast from the safety of your homes to pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have today.

We would invite you stand at 3pm and raise a glass or cup of refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: “For those that gave so much, we thank you.” This will be the first time such a tribute has ever taken place so please encourage others to join in from their own homes.

Followed by a recording of ‘The Battle’s O’er‘ and VE 75 broadcast simultaneously throughout the village.

As with playing The Last Post, individual pipers could play these two stirring marches from their front or back garden, at their front door or from their balcony or window. It is extremely important to adhere to the Government’s restrictions so bands will not be able to play together and individual pipers should not perform in areas that might attract people.

3.00pm-5.00pm Recorded music and original speeches of the period will be broadcast simultaneously throughout the village.

Playlist to be performed between 3pm & 5pm on VE Day:

1. Wish me Luck
2. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
3. We’re Gonna Hang Out The Washing on the Siegfried Line
4. Underneath the Arches
5. Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler
6. Bless ‘Em All
7. Lambeth Walk
8. We’ll Meet Again
9. Goodnight Sweetheart
10. There’ll Always Be an England
11. The White Cliffs of Dover
12. Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major
13. Run Rabbit Run
14. Chattanooga Choo Choo
15. Whispering Grass (Don’t Tell the Trees)
16. Leaning on a lamppost
17. Don’t sit under the Apple Tree
18. Fools Rush in
19. On the Sunny Side of the street
20. You are my Sunshine

Download the song sheets to sing along

Click on the links to see the songs on YouTube

5.00pm Singing throughout the village of Vera Lynn Classics, ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘White Cliffs of Dover’. Song sheets, music and audio backing available. This will also be broadcast simultaneously throughout the village and will follow the pattern of our singing for the NHS which has been happening on Thursday evenings – which we are hoping to record for posterity – please see some helpful tips above for sharing with us!

6.55pm The Cry for Peace Around the World read from the Garden of the Village Hall.

Followed by The National Anthem for all to join in.