Celebrate VE80: Tips for Hosting a Memorable Party to Mark 80 Years Since Victory in Europe
The 8th of May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a momentous occasion that signalled the end of World War II in Europe. VE80 is a wonderful opportunity to honour the heroes of the past, reflect on our history, and celebrate peace and unity with family, friends, and community. If you’re planning to host a VE80 celebration, here are some tips to ensure your event is both meaningful and enjoyable.
1. Choose a Theme
Bring a touch of the 1940s to your party by embracing a wartime or post-war theme. Encourage your guests to dress in vintage-inspired outfits such as tea dresses, military uniforms, or classic 1940s attire. You could decorate your space with bunting, Union Jack flags, and posters reminiscent of the era.
For music, consider hiring a vintage singer to perform wartime classics. Artists like Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller are iconic choices to evoke the spirit of the time. If you’re looking for a live performance, someone like Jayne Darling (yes, that’s me!) could bring a touch of authentic nostalgia to your event.
2. Plan a Community Gathering
VE Day was a time of togetherness, and a street party is a great way to celebrate this milestone. Speak with your neighbours about hosting a joint event in your street or local community space. Arrange tables for shared food, games for children, and even a singalong of classic wartime songs.
If organising a community event, don’t forget to check any local council permissions needed for road closures or public gatherings.
3. Serve 1940s-Inspired Food and Drinks
Take a step back in time with a menu inspired by the 1940s. Finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge cakes, sausage rolls, and jelly desserts were all popular during the era. Why not offer drinks like tea served in vintage china cups or a traditional cordial? For a bit of fun, you could create ration-style food hampers for guests.
For a modern twist, you can still add favourites like cupcakes or a celebratory VE80 cake decorated with patriotic colours.
4. Reflect and Remember
While VE Day is a celebration, it’s also a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who lived through the war. Include a moment of remembrance in your event, whether it’s a reading of a wartime poem, a two-minute silence, or a toast to the brave men and women who fought for freedom.
You could also encourage guests to share stories from their own family histories or display wartime memorabilia as a conversation starter.
5. Entertainment Ideas
Keep your guests entertained with activities suitable for all ages. Here are some suggestions:
- Dance Floor: Play swing music and encourage a bit of 1940s-style dancing. A quick dance lesson could be a great addition.
- Games: Organise games like sack races, egg and spoon races, or a tug-of-war for that classic street party vibe.
- Quiz: Host a WWII-themed quiz to test everyone’s knowledge of the era.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with vintage props such as hats, military helmets, and ration books for some memorable pictures.
6. Spread the Word
If you’re hosting a larger event, create some simple flyers or use social media to invite your friends and neighbours. Be sure to highlight the key details like date, time, location, and any theme or dress code.
7. End on a High Note
End the evening with a toast to peace and unity. If possible, coordinate your event with local or national commemorations, such as listening to special broadcasts or joining in with a public display like fireworks or a light show.
Final Thoughts
VE80 is a unique opportunity to bring people together, celebrate the triumph of peace over conflict, and reflect on how far we’ve come. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big street party, adding thoughtful touches to your event will ensure it’s a day to remember.
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Bletchley Park holds a special place in British history, so performing there felt particularly poignant. Surrounded by the very place where codebreakers worked tirelessly during World War II, it was a privilege to bring the music of the era back to life for visitors. There’s something magical about singing those timeless classics in such an iconic location—it’s as if the past and present come together in harmony.
The day wasn’t just about the performance, though. We had the chance to explore Bletchley Park and immerse ourselves in its rich history. It’s a fascinating place, and walking through the exhibits really brings home the incredible work that went on there. We also caught up with our dear friends Andrew and Wendy, which made the day even more special. And of course, no summer day out would be complete without a good old-fashioned ice cream!
Bletchley Park’s Concert Series continues to be a fantastic celebration of 1940s music, with wonderful performances from Lissie Allsopp on 24th August and Miss Sarah Jane closing out the series on 31st August. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend a visit—it’s a day out that’s both fun and deeply moving.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the concert, and a special thank you to Bletchley Park for hosting such a brilliant event. I look forward to hopefully returning in the future and continuing to share the music that means so much to all of us.
Until next time,
Jayne Darling
Category: 1940s events, Events
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Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Flying Nightingales at RAF Blakehill Farm
I had the honour of being invited to sing at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Flying Nightingales. This significant event took place on Thursday, 13th June 2024, at the historic site of RAF Blakehill Farm.
Who Were the Flying Nightingales?
The Flying Nightingales were a remarkable group of female nurses and medical staff who bravely served during World War II. They were part of the Air Evacuation Service, transporting wounded soldiers from the battlefields of Europe back to Britain. These courageous women flew into war zones, provided critical care mid-air, and played a pivotal role in saving countless lives. Their dedication and bravery earned them the fitting nickname, “Flying Nightingales.”
The 80th Anniversary Commemoration
The 80th anniversary event at RAF Blakehill Farm was a fitting tribute to these incredible women. RAF Blakehill Farm itself is steeped in history, having served as a vital airfield during the war. The site was a perfect location to honour the legacy of the Flying Nightingales and reflect on their invaluable contributions.
As a vintage singer with a deep appreciation for the music and history of the 1940s, it was an immense privilege to be part of this commemoration. The atmosphere was poignant, with attendees including families, senior members of the RAF and history enthusiasts. Singing timeless classics from the era, I aimed to evoke the spirit and resilience of those who lived through those challenging times.
Reflecting on Their Legacy
The event was not only a celebration of the past but also a reminder of the bravery and compassion that defines the Flying Nightingales’ legacy. Their stories of courage and dedication continue to inspire us today. Meeting some of the members families was incredibly moving and reinforced the importance of remembering and honouring our history.
A Day to Remember
The 80th anniversary of the Flying Nightingales at RAF Blakehill Farm was a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and reverence. It was a privilege to contribute to the commemoration and to keep the memory of these extraordinary women alive through music. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that can emerge even in the darkest of times.
For more insights into my performances and upcoming events, stay tuned to my blog and social media channels. Together, we can continue to honour the past and celebrate the enduring spirit of the 1940s.
Category: Events
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