There is a stark warning to stay home over the bank holiday weekend as coronavirus lockdown rules remain.
Concern is high that good weather combined with a want to celebrate VE Day on Friday, May 8 will mean a rise in the number of unnecessary journeys being taken and groups meeting up.
Despite the cancellation of nationwide events to commemorate the end of the war in Europe, the Royal British Legion is leading calls for the public to celebrate from the safety of their homes.
Many people are intending to host socially distanced celebrations in the absence of traditional street parties and other events, and the advice is that there is still plenty of ways people can celebrate even from a distance.
National addresses from the Royal Family and government leaders, a two-minute silence and a UK-wide national singalong are among the plans for Friday, and the public are also being encouraged to host their own celebrations which are in line with government restrictions and legislation.
Ideas to celebrate on the day include:
- holding themed 1940s afternoon tea in their homes or gardens
- decorating your property and windows with bunting.
- observing the two-minute silence at 11am
- children can get involved by colouring special edition posters which are available to download on the VEDay75 website and then displaying them in their front windows.
- at 3pm the nation will come together to raise a glass to toast and give thanks to the heroes of WW11
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families are also encouraged to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ at 9pm.
In response to the concerns, police and politicians in Wales have joined forces to hit the message home that people must "act responsibly" to stop the spread of the virus.
First Minister Mark Drakeford, councillors in Wales and top police officers have written an open letter.
It makes clear that travelling to a second home does not ordinarily constitute essential travel, and that anyone leaving or remaining away from the place where they are living without a reasonable excuse is committing an offence.
The signatories to the letter end by saying: “We look forward to welcoming you back once it is safe again to do so. Until then please stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Valentine said: "The sacrifices made during World War Two were vast and it is right that we do all that we can to commemorate this, particularly on the 75th anniversary.
"VE Day came after the country had experienced years of adversity; our armed forces, civil defence forces, the police and emergency services all came together to defend the country and protect those who were at home, also often enduring great hardship.
"While we may not be able to mark VE Day in the way we would have intended, there is still so much we can do to pay our respects and to remember the end of war in Europe, while also keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe.
“We know many people intend to host socially distanced celebrations in the absence of traditional street parties and other events, and there are plenty of ways we can still come together even though we are apart.
“We’d urge people to celebrate from their homes or in their own gardens if they have one. Many of the national celebrations are also being televised or live-streamed on the internet, and there is an opportunity to feel close to your neighbours while taking part in a UK-wide doorstep singalong in the evening.”
Meanwhile, police are urging members of the public from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys to help them prevent illegal raves from setting up in their communities over the bank holiday weekend.
As part of the operation, called #OpFlamenco, people living in rural communities, including farmers and landowners, are being asked to report anything suspicious to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Superintendent Jon Cummins, Head of Specialist Operations for Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “We know raves can cause anxiety to the community they are held in, and if not dealt with swiftly are difficult to stop due to the sheer numbers of people involved.
"It is absolutely crucial that these types of gatherings do not take place. It is very clear that the action each and every one of us takes today will have an impact on tomorrow, which is why everyone must stay at home – and illegal gatherings such as raves would be utterly irresponsible and without a doubt put lives at risk."
Anyone with concerns should call police on 101.
