Council plans to turn Ashfield red, white and blue for virtual VE Day celebration!

Ashfield District Council is inviting its residents to join in with festivities, also taking part across the UK, marking VE Day on Friday, May 8.

It honours the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, and there are a host of activities planned running up to the celebration in the virtual world.

The council is asking to people get involved with online schemes such as making your own bunting, colouring pictures and making model spitfires.

A virtual afternoon tea party ‘Tea at three,’ is for people to take part in homes or gardens, and a 1940s inspired hair and makeup tutorials aim to help people get in the mood and look the part.

On VE Day itself, virtual events are on Ashfield District Council’s Facebook page, including the sounding of the Last Post and the Nation’s Toast. It is hoped residents will ‘pack up their troubles’ and join in with a We’ll Meet Again sing-along.

Cllr Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council said “Celebrating VE Day is such an important thing for us to do as a nation. With the current restrictions in place we have had to rethink our plans. We have put together a fantastic programme of events for the whole family to enjoy. We hope to turn the streets of Ashfield red, white and blue for such a special day.

“The Council’s flags will remain at half mast to not just remember those affected by coronavirus but to remember those who have so much for our freedoms.”

Cllr Zadrozny continued “We want all the community to get involved, stay home and hold a party in your home or garden and remember the heroes of WW2. We have plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained as well as recipe ideas and dance tutorials.

“The sense of community spirit that has been demonstrated across Ashfield during lockdown has been incredible and celebrating VE Day is the perfect opportunity to see that spirit in action.”

Sharing pictures of decorations, parties and dance routines on social media are encouraged.

A full programme of events will be announced.