How Yorkshire people can celebrate Dance for VE Day - 75 years on from end of Second World War

English Heritage is calling on communities across Yorkshire to ‘Dance for VE Day’ to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of Second World War in Europe.
English Heritage are offering people the chance to dance like its 1945English Heritage are offering people the chance to dance like its 1945
English Heritage are offering people the chance to dance like its 1945

Over the May Bank Holiday, the charity will lend some swing-time spirit to the nation’s celebrations by sending hundreds of expert lindy-hoppers to join community events and street parties across England.

Whether it’s a party in a park, a tea dance in a Town Hall, or even a knees-up in a Nissen hut, historic dance experts will lead lessons and performances at regional celebrations to help communities Lindy Hop ‘til they drop in true 1940s style.

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Applications are invited from event organisers and individuals throughout the land from now until March 8.

English Heritage want people to dance like its 1945English Heritage want people to dance like its 1945
English Heritage want people to dance like its 1945

Anyone can apply, and English Heritage is especially interested to hear from those planning to get the whole community involved in celebrations, regardless of age and ability. After the closing date, one application from each county in England will be selected to get dancing for the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend, May 8 to 10.

Dance for VE Day is part of the national VE Day 75 celebrations to mark the unique moment in English history when communities across the country spontaneously came together in joy and reflection following more than five years of conflict.

In towns, cities and villages throughout England, people marked the victory on 8 May 1945 by taking to the streets to celebrate with singing and dancing.

The Lindy Hop was the dance craze of the day.

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Kate Mavor, English Heritage Chief Executive, said: “VE Day was a unique moment in our history – uniting people in spontaneous celebration as they awoke to the new dawn of peace in Europe. At English Heritage, we bring the past to life, so now, 75 years on, what better way to celebrate this anniversary than by offering people the chance to dance like it’s 1945!

"Whether you are in a school, nursing home, or planning a street party with all the neighbours, we want to hear from you – the more involved the community, the better.”

Anyone planning to host a VE Day 75 celebration can apply from today, up until 5pm on March 8.

Click here for the application form and further details on the dance experience.