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Virtual Festival Day 2
FRIDAY 8 MAY
Victory in Europe Day
In May 1945, the Second World War in Europe came to an end with the unconditional surrender of all German forces. The 8 May was declared a national holiday - Victory in Europe Day - and celebrations swept the country.
10am: Life on the Home Front
Find out what life was like on the Home Front as the Second World War drew to a close, our Living History groups have brought it to life in a series of short films.
- In the News, Spring ’45! What were you hearing over the radio 75 years ago?
- Digging for Victory and rationing of food during the war, what could you eat?
- Upcycling and repairing clothes were necessary during the war, you had to Make Do and Mend.
- Be inspired by our 1940’s Hair video and learn about the make-up of the time.
- All night celebrations and street parties, find out what it would have been like on VE Day 75 years ago
- Learn about the role of the Women’s Voluntary Service’ to the Home Front Section
- See the celebrations from the Royal Navy from around the world on VE Day 1945
11am: Tune in to the BBC for National Commemorations, including a two minute’s silence
11.15am: Women in the Forces
Women served in the three services during the Second World War. Listen to their reflections and discover what their work involved. These women have their stories brought to life by our Living History Groups.
- Auxiliary Territorial Service
- Women’s Royal Naval Service: Meet Jean Gordon
- Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
- Special Operations Executive: A new recruit (part one)
12pm: Voices from the Fighting Forces
What was it like to survive the Battle of Britain, what did a soldier carry on his back, and who signaled across the world that war had ended in Europe? Stories from the Frontline!
- Life as a Pilot: Still a long way to go!
- Pack your bag– discover the uniform and kit soldiers used in the Second World War?
- Forgotten Fighter – the story of a soldier who served in the Far East
- Homecoming Hero - the story of a VC winner’s war
- HMS Warrior signals Victory in Europe
- Action Stations - Submarines and WWII
- Peter Stevens, a Jewish Hidden Hero, told by Joshua Levine for the RAF Museum - supported by the Roman Abramovich and Chelsea FC Foundation.
1pm: We Were There!
Hear accounts and stories from veterans of the Second World War.
- Army Commandos: Interview with Army Veteran Stan Scott
- Jewish Hidden Hero: Meet Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman
- Working in the Ops Room: Katherine Du Plat
- Spreading the news of Peace: Meet Dorrie Thomas
2pm: Why the Allies Won (LIVE)
Renowned historian James Holland and National Army Museum curator Dr Peter Johnson discuss the events that brought the Second World War in Europe to an end in 1945 in this live webinar.
2.45pm: Tune it to watch Sir Winston Churchill’s famous speech on the BBC
4pm: Victory Dance (LIVE)
5pm: The Bluebird Belles concert
Round off your Bank Holiday celebrations with a live concert from 40s trio The Bluebird Belles. Sing along to some iconic tunes and practice your newly learnt dance moves.
9.15pm: We’ll Meet Again
VE Day 75 Party Pack
Download our party pack bursting with fun activities – all designed to help you get ready to celebrate VE Day this Friday 8 May 2020.
Hang your bunting, put a poster in your window, wave flags and get cooking! There is loads to do so why not get started now!
