Socially distanced street parties in Yorkshire to fly the flag for 75th VE Day

Seventy-five years on, that sense of spirit remains as communities across the nation joined together for a socially distanced celebration to honour the anniversary.

“It’s living history, a double history, if you like,” said mother Michelle Adams, as she hosted a vintage tea party for her two children in her front garden in Pool in Wharfedale.

“Today is all about celebrations, and remembrance, and here we are in lockdown. We are honouring that history as we mark our own.”

In gardens and yards across the country, neighbours hailed one another over hedges and fences as they raised a toast to mark the occasion.

Cheering onlookers were treated to flypasts, as the famous Red Arrows trailed red, white and blue over Buckingham Palace while the British public basked in Bank Holiday sunshine.

For one elderly resident, unable to access her garden in her wheelchair, the street had worked together to make sure she could get in her garden in time, with one neighbour sourcing materials and another building some decking.

“It’s just so lovely, to get the whole community involved and together to celebrate,” said Faye Myers, over the road from Mrs Adams with husband Craig, six-year-old Emme and Arthur, aged 16 months. “It’s been brilliant to keep spirits up, and it’s made the day really special.”

A few doors down is Amy Horsman, who had practised victory rolls in her hair. With husband Andy and seven-year-old Leo, they had painted the fencing and the bunting was blowing in a soft breeze.

“This morning, my mother was telling me all about my grandfather who served in the war,” she said. “My other grandfather was in the D-Day landings. It is something to remember.”

Flying the flag

In Town Street, Old Malton, the lampposts were decorated, and there was a sea of red, white and blue as flags were delivered to every home.

“I’m so proud of our little village,” said organiser Vicky Burgess. “The whole community has joined together.”

As night fell, traditional wartime songs were sung as residents raised a glass to the nation.

“The community here is quite elderly,” said Mrs Burgess. “We wanted to try and raise spirits, and celebrate as much as we can. It’s been amazing.”

At a care home in Bedale, a couple who have been married for 79 years recalled VE Day in 1945.

Les Kelly, 100, and his wife Doris, 99, met in school and have never been apart other than when he served in Europe in the Second World War. “Finding out the war had ended was one of the nicest days I’ve known,” said Mr Kelly.

Bagpipes

In Harrogate, as the Oatlands community raised a glass to veteran neighbour John Rushton, an echo of wartime song rang out as a young piper played The Battle’s O’er and Balmoral.

“We have beautiful pictures of people on the road having a massive street party 75 years ago,” said organiser Vic Smith-Dunn.

“We can’t possibly appreciate the relief they must have felt, that war was over.

"We can’t celebrate the same way, but we have done out utmost to ensure, safely, that those that served know we appreciate the time they gave for our country.”

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