This is how Harrogate will celebrate VE Day's 75th anniversary under lockdown

It is far from an ideal way to celebrate such a momentous occasion.
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But in true wartime spirit, proud residents in Harrogate will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day online and at home on Friday.

The district will be awash with red, white and blue colours - albeit virtually - as Great British bunting is strung up for a socially-distanced salute to those who served in World War II.

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And as families and friends celebrate, our NHS heroes will once again be thanked as they continue to fight a battle of their own - against the coronavirus.

Families and friends will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day online and at home on Friday.Families and friends will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day online and at home on Friday.
Families and friends will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day online and at home on Friday.

Ikea will remain closed despite rumours of stores planning to reopen this month

One group in Harrogate is planning a three-day festival to mark the occasion.

Inspired by the 'make do and mend' spirit which has come to the fore with businesses, schools and residents adapting to life under lockdown, HG Community Lockdown Fest will showcase the talents of our community online - all whilst raising money for Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

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Organiser Catherine Wright said: "The whole Harrogate district has an amazing range of creative, dynamic businesses and people living and working here.

"What better way to showcase their skills and experience by putting together a range of activities over the Bank Holiday Weekend?"

The festival will feature everyone from Harrogate Town AFC and Harrogate Library, to Major Tom's and Stuzzi, who will be running sessions on FaceTime Live, Zoom and YouTube.

"We want this to be accessible to as many people as possible" said Catherine.

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"The sessions will be easy to access online, and cover a huge range of topics - including everything from yoga, contemporary dance, heritage, mental health, music, art and more."

Another group of Harrogate residents are holding their own socially-distanced street party on Friday - and there will even be an air raid siren to bring back some of the Blitz spirit.

Organised by a local Neighbourhood Watch group in the Bilton area, the VE Day lockdown party will follow full government guidelines on social distancing.

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The idea of the event is that each family will have tables and chairs in their front gardens with buntings, flags and music from the war years.

Neighbours living on Millfield Glade are also holding their own safe street party on Friday.

And Christians Together in Knaresborough will be commemorating the 75th anniversary with a short online service on the same day. It will start just after 10am can be accessed through their Facebook page.

To help children mark the occasion, one Harrogate business is offering out a free collection of activity packs. My Life Pool's packs include posters and DIY buntings for children to display in their window. It also includes an information sheet about VE Day.

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Harrogate library will also be using its Facebook page to present a photographic slideshow of our town.

What is VE Day?

On May 8, 1945, World War II drew to a halt as the Germans surrendered to the allies, marking the end of Adolf Hitler’s war and sparking celebrations around the world.

VE Day- or Victory in Europe Day - honours the occasion each year.

It is regarded as one of the biggest celebrations in British history - and this year's bank holiday was moved to coincide with it.

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The Queen will broadcast a recorded message on BBC1 at 9pm, the same time as her father, George VI, gave an address from Buckingham Palace 75 years ago to mark victory in Europe.

Following this, there will be a national sing-along of We'll Meet Again, led by 103-year-old Dame Vera Lynn, with the public encouraged to open their doors and join in.

Earlier, Winston Churchill's historic address to the nation announcing Germany's surrender will be broadcast on BBC1 at 2.45pm.

And across the country, the Royal British Legion is inviting people to join a two-minute silence for reflection and remembrance at 11am on May 8.

For more information on the HG Community Lockdown Festival visit www.hglockdownfest.co.uk/