Here’s how to host your very own VE day party
Nothing brings the nation together quite like a celebration and May marks a truly special one. From the 5th of May (bank holiday Monday) to the 8th of May, there will be a four day celebration for the 80th anniversary of VE day. You can expect a military procession, flypast and special concert broadcast live on BBC 1 honouring those who lived, fought and died during WW2. Want to be part of this historic event? Here’s some fun ways to get involved.
Throw a street party
In 1945, the streets of cities, towns and villages across the country overflowed with joy as crowds gathered to celebrate the end of the war. Young and old came together to mark victory by sharing food, dance and sing. So, what could be a more fitting way to commemorate that day 80 years on, than throwing your own street party.
First off you will need to fill out an application form on your local council website.
Then as soon as you get the thumbs up to go ahead, you can start spreading the word to your neighbours. Attach posters advertising the event to lampposts, or if you have a street WhatsApp group, send a message round to let everyone know. This would also be an ideal opportunity to recruit some volunteers.
One of the greatest pleasures of a street party is gathering to share food and raise a glass together. Long trestle tables and picnic benches are fab for communal dining - you can rent them or see if your local school can lend you a few. Complete the setting with our glorious gingham tablecloths (in red and blue of course), and top with jam jars brimming with spring blooms.
Menu-wise, it’s got be all things British, right. Who doesn’t love sausages on sticks, scotch eggs and sherry trifle, best served on our recyclable Union Jack paper cups, plates and napkins for easy clean-up.e
Find free, official downloadable invites, posters and conversation prompts here.
Lay on a 1940s inspired high tea
Why not step back in time and put on your very own 1940s inspired tea party? Decorate with our Union Jack blue and red bunting and serve some retro bakes like rock cakes, cheese and onion scones and this VE day condensed milk cake – a slightly adapted recipe that was published in a Ministry of Food leaflet.
Set the mood with a war-time classic playlist – think Vera Lynn and Noel Coward. Or save yourself some time and stream this ready-made one on Spotify. Although remember to press pause at 11am if you wish to partake in the two minute silence.
For an extra dash of fun, get your guests to dress the part in vintage hats, floral tea dresses, flared skirts and fishtail trousers. You could even hand out a prize to the best dressed.
Host a BBQ in your backyard
Just imagine it, the sun warming your back, sausages sizzling away on the grill and your favourite tunes on in the background. Hosting a BBQ is a hassle-free way to bring your friends and family together for a chilled VE day celebration.
Preparation is key if you want to feel relaxed once your guests have arrived. We’re firm believers in pre-mixing large pitchers of Pimm’s and a non-alcoholic punch for those guests skipping the tipple. Marinade the meat overnight so it soaks up all the delicious flavours and the morning of, whip up two generous salads, one green and one pasta/couscous. Easy peasy.
When it comes to seating, arrange plenty of options such as chairs, cushions and picnic blankets to meet everyone’s needs. Just don’t forget some shady nooks for the sun dodgers. If you think the gathering is likely to stretch into the early evening, one of our favourite tips is to string up twinkly lights that will bathe your space in a cosy, inviting glow.
