People in North Tyneside are being encouraged to commemorate VE Day at home.
May 8, 2020 marks 75 years since the end of World War 2 in Europe.
Events and activities to commemorate VE Day were planned across North Tyneside but have unfortunately been cancelled because of coronavirus.
However, the council is determined that the event will not go unnoticed and is asking residents to help safely mark the event.
Cllr Gary Bell, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Here in North Tyneside, we have always supported and honoured the work of our veterans and serving personnel.
“Like many councils and organisations across the country, we were planning an event and different activities in the borough to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. It is with sadness that these have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“However, we will certainly not let this hugely significant event go unmarked and we would encourage everyone who can do so to safely recognise the huge contribution that our veterans and serving personnel, as well as their families, have made to the country. This might be making bunting to decorate your garden with, holding a tea party for your household, playing music from the 1940s, setting up games from the era in your garden like hopscotch, or sharing stories of your family’s connection to WW2 – and of course, observing the two minutes’ silence at 11am.
“We would love to hear what you have planned and ask you to please share them with the council on social media.”
The council has also had to make the difficult decision to cancel other events planned, including Armed Forces Day and the Falklands services, while an event for VJ Day has been put on hold for now. It is still intending on marking these occasions - details on this will be provided once they are available.
VJ Day will take place on August 15, 2020, marking the end of World War 2 in Japan. This event is subject to the ever-changing situation and government guidance being issued closer to the time.
ENDS