This Friday 8 May marks 75 years since the second world war ended in Europe. Due to the lockdown, we will not be able to celebrate in person but we can still mark the occasion together online. We encourage as many of you as possible to get involved by decorating your homes, red, white and blue, joining the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2 and the national sing-a-long. However, as with the Thursday night clapping for key workers, we ask that you join in from your front or back doors, windows or balconies.

On Friday – VE Day 75 – the official programme of national events to commemorate and celebrate will be taking place on television, radio and social media.

Join in from the safety of your home with:

• 11am - Two Minute Silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation
• 3pm - Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2. Raise a glass or cup of your choice and toast “To those who gave so much, we thank you”
• 8pm - BBC The People’s Celebration: enjoy an evening of music and memories hosted by the BBC in partnership with the Royal British Legion
• 9pm - Her Majesty The Queen will send a message to the nation at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945. This will be broadcast on BBC One at 9pm
• 9.15pm - The Queen's speech will be followed by a national Sing-a-long of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Vera Lynn

Follow our social media channels to remain updated on our virtual celebrations.

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Create a piece of art, a drawing, write a poem or original song inspired by VE Day to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this historical milestone. Think poppies, Union Jack flags, Winston Churchill and celebrating veterans.

Share your artistic creations with us by emailing your entry to together@basildon.gov.uk or by tagging our social media channels and using hashtag #VEDayBasildon. 

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We will pick 3 winners at random to be announced on Monday 11 May to win the following prizes:

1st prize - £50 Love2shop voucher
2nd prize - £25 Love2shop voucher
3rd prize - £10 Love2shop voucher

Get Creative is a campaign run by a group of cultural organisations to celebrate and support the everyday creativity happening in homes and public spaces. Each year in May they hold the ‘Get Creative Festival’ to shine a light on all the great cultural activity that takes place on a regular basis in local communities and encourage people to try their hand at something new and creative.

The Get Creative Festival has moved online this year with #GetCreativeAtHome. Over 200 participatory activities are now listed on the website, including the biggest life drawing class ever, and a new series of online masterclasses by leading artists including Sir Antony Gormley and features artist Clare Twomey.

So if you are looking for suggestions for getting creative at home visit the Get Creative Website.