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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Entertainment
Emma Grimshaw

The best ideas for VE lockdown street parties

It's the 75th anniversary of the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War this Friday.

Sadly, no big commemorations can be hosted to mark the milestone because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Nevertheless, there are still dozens of ways you can show your respects at home - or in your garden - for the important event.

Here are some of our ideas for the best VE parties.

Create a street sing-along

Singing between houses has been one of the best and most moving ways neighbourhoods have united during these strange times.

On Friday, using a street Whatsapp group, people could organise for local residents to stand in their gardens and sing a number of wartime classics together.

And there is also a nation sing-along set for 8pm, which will be aired on BBC. This will see Dame Vera Lynn perform her popular hit We'll Meet Again .

Bunting, bunting, bunting

In true British style, create and hang as much bunting as you can handle from your front and back garden.

Stitch together anything you can find in your home which is red, blue or white and bring some colour to your street.

Host a 1945-styled picnic over the fence

Ask your neighbours to join you in your separate front gardens for a good old-fashioned picnic.

Most food was rationed during the war, so Spam and corned beef hash became popular sandwich fillers.

Another common dish was the potato, cheese and onion-filled homity pie.

And a top choice throughout the ages, scones were a sample dessert during the period.

Organise a street Lindy Hop

Bristol has already witnessed street Zumba during Clap for Carers so why not arrange a wartime dance?

Making sure everyone stays two metres apart, one home could play the music while everyone tries their best charleston.

If you are struggling, English Heritage has put together some basic instructions to help you find your feet.

Fancy dress

1940s fashion (Handout)

There's been very little to get dressed up for recently but why not hunt through your wardrobe and dig out your best 1940s clothes.

And then wear your outfits as part of your picnic or dance event.

Drink gin and tonic

(Getty Images)

Gin was one of the most popular alcoholic drinks during the 1940s. So for anyone wanting to share a celebratory cocktail with their neighbours - while remaining two metres apart - it's the perfect beverage.

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