75 years since VE Day: Archive clips to show Wakefield's anniversary celebrations from years gone by

Archive footage showing how Wakefield has celebrated previous VE Day anniversaries will be resurrected on Friday.
The early May bank holiday has been moved to Friday this year in honour of VE Day.The early May bank holiday has been moved to Friday this year in honour of VE Day.
The early May bank holiday has been moved to Friday this year in honour of VE Day.

Wakefield Museums and Castles will stream clips and publish of photos of local people marking the date in years gone by, as the UK celebrates the 75th anniversary of the day World War II ended in Europe.

The footage and photos will be available to view on an online blog - http://wakefieldmuseumsandlibraries.blogspot.com/The early May bank holiday was moved to Friday, May 8 this year in honour of the occasion, but the public is still being advised to remain at home and celebrate indoors.

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Councillor Sandra Pickin, Wakefield's armed forces champion, said: "I know many people have had to cancel their plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day but it is so important that we still mark this important day in our history and remind our children and young people about the sacrifices made by so many.

Thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square in May 1945 as it's revealed the War in Europe is at an end.Thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square in May 1945 as it's revealed the War in Europe is at an end.
Thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square in May 1945 as it's revealed the War in Europe is at an end.

"Whatever your plans, please follow all the government’s guidelines to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."

The council has put together a "party pack" for families with suggestions on how to enjoy the day.

It includes recipes for 1940s style snacks, instructions on how to design your own bunting and a custom made music playlist for the occasion.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

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