Celebrations to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day are postponed by Covid-19

  • Anglia

Celebrations planned to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 look set to be postponed across the region.

The early May bank holiday had been specially moved to the Friday so people could mark the end of the war in Europe, but now organisers are being advised to put their plans on hold.

Instead of street parties, there are suggestions people can have 'stay at home' events instead.

Bedford Borough Council says together with the Royal British Legion it has taken the decision to postpone events because of the pandemic, to protect the health and wellbeing of the public, military personnel and veterans.

Across the nation, everyone is invited to join in a UK-wide rendition of DameVera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day at 9pm.

Bedford says it'll fly the union flag at the town hall on May 8th and hopes to hold the commemoration on the weekend of 15-16 August instead, which is VJ Day.

It had been hoped that people would stage street parties for the event Credit: VEDay75
The nation will be invited to take part in a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn's wartime hit We'll Meet Again Credit: PA Images

Mayor Dave Hodgson said he was sad at the news but he backed the Legion's decision.

Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson Credit: ITV Anglia

The organisers of the nationwide event have advised people across the country to postpone because of the pandemic,

Pageantmaster Bruno Peek, from Norfolk, said he was in touch with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about moving the celebrations to August.

It's hoped Town Criers and lone pipers will still be able to play a part in marking the anniversary.