With planned virtual events including picnics, learning packs and online exhibitions, there are many ways to get involved. 

Honouring Heroes of Past & Present in the ‘Big Picnic for Hope’

Lichfield Cathedral is joining a number of the nation’s cathedrals this VE Day in a project to remember heroes of the past and present as part of the Big Picnic for Hope. The Big Picnic for Hope is an opportunity for households to be part of a virtual get together on 8 May. The project asks people to stay at home, to picnic indoors or in their gardens, and to join friends and families virtually. At the same time as something fun to take part in with other people around the country, the project affords us a unique way to remember heroes who have kept our country safe in the past and those on the new home front. It gives the nation another way of saying thank you for the incredible effort and sacrifice being made by our key workers from carers, delivery personnel, grocery workers and public transport workers to medical researchers and frontline NHS staff. We must also not forget the remarkable collective effort of the nation to play our part and stay at home. The project also serves an opportunity to recognise that these times are difficult for many people and aims to raise £5000 towards The Trussell Trust, a charity supporting a network of foodbanks and helping those in need in the UK. People can share their plans and ideas for the Big Picnic for Hope using the hashtag #bigpicnicforhope. On social media people will be able to share and see their creative ideas of what to bake, what to make, how to picnic in style. This will help everyone get ready to join together on Friday 8 May to share photos of their picnics and discuss memories and stories of their loved ones, past and present, in a way fitting of the circumstances we are living through. To join in with the Big Picnic for Hope, find out more, or share your ideas and photos visit www.bigpicnicforhope.com also see participating cathedral social media and @bigpicnicforhope on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, The fundraising page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bigpicnicforhope

The National Memorial Arboretum have planned a virtual VE Day this year, with an online 'Tea For II' exhibition, home learning packs and online information packs for the VE Day Anniversary 75 tours.

Tea for II Online Exhibition

The planned Tea for II exhibition has been transformed so that people can enjoy it online. Inspired by the forthcoming 75th anniversary of VE Day, it explores the quintessentially British nature of tea and how these landmark occasions were marked at home and abroad. Find out more

VE Day Activity Packs

The team at the National Memorial Arboretum have developed free activity packs for download to help people engage with Remembrance in advance of VE Day. There are three packs in total, aimed at different age groups; 7-11 (KS2), 11-16 (KS 3 & KS4) and adults. While people may not be able to hold street parties there are still plenty of ways for people to mark this significant anniversary. Find out more.

VE Day 75 Anniversary Tours

Whilst you are currently unable to take a tour of the Arboretum in person, the Arboretum team wanted to share just some of the stories behind their memorials which link to the end of the Second World War during this special anniversary year. Download the VE Day 75 Anniversary Tour packs to discover fascinating facts, beautiful photographs and even a map so you can find these memorials once they have re-opened. Find out more.

Nation's Toast to Heroes

The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2 takes place at 3pm on Friday 8th May, and you can join in from the safety of your own home by standing up and raising a glass of refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

This is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today. 

Royal British Legion 

The Royal British Legion is calling on people across the UK to join in a moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May, the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, and pause for a Two Minute Silence.

We hope you can all support this aspect of VE Day from the safety of your homes too.

If you want to celebrate with a take away from one of our 'local heroes' have a look who's delivering in your area right here. Please confirm with each business to ensure they are still working on Friday 8th May.