READING residents are being encouraged to host their own “stay at home tea party” whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines to celebrate VE Day next week.
On Friday, May 8, it is the 75th anniversary of VE Day and Reading Borough Council (RBC) will be hosting a variety of online events and activities to mark this important occasion.
The council is encouraging residents to host a “stay at home tea party” whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.
It has suggested people host virtual celebrations from their home to celebrate the anniversary and decorate windows and balconies in red, white and blue while raising a glass for the nations toast at 3pm.
Following the celebrations, the council is urging people to send in their photos and videos to communications@reading.gov.uk or post them to its Facebook page or tweet using the hashtag's #VEDay75 and #RdgVEDay75.
On VE Day thousands of pipers around the world will play Battle’s O’er, a traditional air performed on the bagpipes at the end of a battle, and VE Day 75, a tune specially composed for this event.
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On Friday, May 8, the Pipe Major of the Reading Scottish Pipe Band, Ron Paterson, will be performing this from his home and residents will be able to listen along to a live stream at 3pm via readingculturelive.co.uk.
Reading Museum, RBC libraries and the Berkshire Records Office will also be offering a range of activities for residents to take part in including a virtual exhibition, children’s activity cards and recipes to make your own VE Day cake.
Why not visit the museum’s dedicated VE Day 75 webpage for a whole host of online resources which have been put together by the museum service including photos from Reading 75 years ago, bunting making, a VE day cake making workshop and how to make a Huntley and Palmer's biscuit tin design.
The Library service will be releasing one photo or themed post every day in the lead-up to VE Day focusing on Street Parties from the past.
Also look out for a very special video they have put together to mark this anniversary.
The Berkshire Records Office will be presenting an online exhibition, ‘Through their eyes - a local perspective on the Second World War'.
Through their website and social media channels you will be able to gain an insight into the past with content that ranges from the declaration of war, evacuations, bombing raids, the home guard and the home front before finishing with local celebrations for VE Day.
For more information visit www.reading.gov.uk/whatson or www.readingculturelive.co.uk.
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