VE Day 2020 timetable – from the two minute silence to the Queen’s speech
THE 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day is almost here – and despite the coronavirus lockdown, there are plenty of celebrations planned across the country.
Although traditional public events have been cancelled due to social distancing requirements, there’ll be lots happening on Friday, May 8 to mark the day.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Timetable for VE Day celebrations
Two-minute silence
At 11am, a two-minute silence will be held to honour the sacrifices of those who served in the conflict.
This year, it will also be used to reflect on the impact Covid-19 has had.
Royal British Legion livesteam
At 11.15am, the Legion will host a VE Day 75 Livestream bringing together generations from World War Two to today.
The interviewees will discuss their experiences.
Some will have served in the war, while others will be on the frontline against coronavirus.
Winston Churchill’s victory speech
At 2.45pm, Sophie Raworth will present VE Day 75: The Announcement of Victory on BBC One about Winston Churchill’s famous speech given on May 8 1945.
Churchill, then Prime Minister, addressed the country from Downing Street to give the news about the surrender of the Nazis and the end of the war in Europe.
A full recording of the speech will be played, alongside personal testimony read by well-known public figures who recall the VE Day celebrations, and music performed by the military.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
Musicians take to their doorsteps
Musicians around the country will be invited to play the Last Post from their homes at 2.55pm.
National toast to our war heroes
At 3pm, Brits will be encouraged to go outside and applaud those who fought and died during the conflict.
VE Day: The Lost Films
Channel 5 will be showing clips from amateur film-makers that have been dug out after decades in storage at 7pm.
The films include a look at the extraordinary events of May 8, 1945, through the eyes of the people who were celebrating it.
VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration
BBC One will host a musical celebration at 8pm in a bid to replace the live events and street parties we’d usually expect for VE Day.
Stars such as Shane Richie and Beverley Knight will perform well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s, including Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover and When the Lights Go On Again.
MORE ON VE DAY
The Queen’s address
A pre-recorded speech by the Queen will be broadcast at 9pm.
It’s the exact time her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8, 1945.
We’ll Meet Again singalong
The British public is invited to sing along to Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again after the Queen’s speech.
The song will be broadcast on BBC One.
VE Day: Remembering
Famous faces such as David Attenborough, Bruce Forsyth, Miriam Margolyes and June Whitfield share their memories of the end of the conflict.
The show, on BBC One at 9.10pm, also includes John Craven who, aged four, was confused by the celebrations.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.