Top Tips for a Brilliant VE Day 80 Event 

With 1940s Vintage Singer Jayne Darling

Here are some ideas to help your event run smoothly and bring that authentic wartime spirit to life – whether it’s a community gathering, care home celebration, or something more formal.

🎶 1. Set the Scene with Decor

You don’t have to go overboard – just a few touches go a long way:

• Union Jack bunting, flags or red/white/blue tablecloths   
• Posters from the era (“Keep Calm”, “Dig for Victory”, etc.)
• Table centrepieces with ration cards, tea tins, or wartime props
• Baskets of fake veg, vintage crockery, or a string of warm lights for a street party atmosphere
• Waving flags for the tables – small flags are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased off Ebay for around 10 – 15 pence each depending on quantity
• Cargo netting and sand bags – cargo netting can be purchased from Army and Navy stores as can empty sand bags.  Sandbags can be filled with scrunched up newspaper or old duvets and pillows

 

☕ 2. Keep Refreshments Traditional

• Serve up afternoon tea – sandwiches, sausage rolls, Victoria sponge, scones
• Have a cake baking or cake decoration competition!
• Or keep it simple with tea in teapots, enamel mugs, and a biscuit tin
• Some venues do a wartime-style ration bag with a cheese sandwich, an apple and a bit of cake – fun and easy!
• Maybe try some wartime specialities – think spam or bread and dripping!

🎩 3. Encourage Guests to Dress the Part

It really helps bring people together and sets the mood. Suggest:

• Victory rolls, curls, red lipstick, headscarves for the ladies 
• Flat caps, braces, or military-style jackets for the gents
• Doesn’t have to be full fancy dress – just a nod to the era works well
• Tea dresses for the ladies – ladies in the 40s also wore hats and gloves.  Seamed stockings were a luxury and scarce!
• Make your own gas mask box, a small box covered in brown paper and some string should do the trick!

 

Simple Tips for a Lovely Vintage Look

You don’t need a full costume to join in the fun – just a few touches can help you get that classic 1940s style!

💄 Hair & Make-up

• Victory rolls – iconic 1940s hairstyle! There are loads of tutorials online if you fancy giving it a go 
• Headscarf or turban – tied around your hair Rosie-the-Riveter style – ideal if you don’t want to faff with curls
• Red lipstick & winged eyeliner – the quickest way to vintage-up any outfit
• Keep make-up simple, polished, and classic
• Want those 1940s style curls?  Damp hair, setting lotion or mousse and sleep in some foam rollers or pin curls. 

👚 Clothing

You don’t need to buy anything new – have a look at what’s already in your wardrobe!

Look out for:

• Tea dresses or shirt dresses – floral, polka dot, or block colours all work well
• High-waisted skirts with a tucked-in blouse
• Knitted cardigans or short jackets
• Trousers, dungarees or a boiler suit for a land girl or factory worker look

👠 Shoes & Accessories

• Low block heels, brogues or even pumps will do
• Seamed tights or bare legs with ankle socks
• Add a brooch, pearls or a simple handbag to finish the look
• Gloves and a little hat or fascinator if you’re feeling fancy
• Not got any seamed tights or stockings?  An eyeliner pencil and someone with a steady hand will be just the job!  Women used to stain their legs with gravy browning, tea or even sand!

💡 Quick Outfit Ideas

• Land Girl: Green jumper, dungarees, headscarf, wellies or boots
• Housewife style: Shirt dress, apron, rollers/headscarf, red lippy
• For a more dressed-up look: Tea dress, heels, clutch bag, pearls, hat

it’s more about the spirit of the event than getting it perfect. And if all else fails: red lipstick + a headscarf = instant vintage!

Maybe offer a small prize for best dressed?

🎤 4. Make the Most of the Music

I’ll bring the 1940s vocals and nostalgia – you can help create atmosphere by:

• Having people seated comfortably for a singalong
• Leaving space for dancing – a bit of a jive or a waltz goes down a treat
• Printing out song sheets for the patriotic songs 

📸 5. Capture the Moment

Set up a photo corner or just encourage guests to take snaps –

• You could print a few for guests afterwards as a keepsake
• Or collect them for a community noticeboard or newsletter

🎤 6. Optional Extras

Depending on your event, you could also consider:

• A short wartime quiz or bingo game
• A toast or moment of reflection for those who served,  I have the last post on my Ipad which I can play
• Invite a local Army veteran or history speaker to say a few words

 

VE Day in Britain in 1945 was a massive moment – after six years of war, people were finally able to let off steam and celebrate. It was a spontaneous, joyful day, and while people didn’t have much (rationing was still in full swing), that didn’t stop them throwing a proper knees-up!

Here’s what a typical VE Day celebration might have looked like:

🇬🇧 Street Parties

Communities came together to decorate streets with homemade bunting, flags, and streamers – often made from scraps or whatever they could find. Long tables were set up in the street and everyone brought something to share. These were proper community efforts – even if it was just a bit of jam or a few sandwiches.

🥪 Food (despite rationing!)

Food was still strictly rationed, so people got creative. Some typical treats you might have found:

• Jam sandwiches
• Mock cream cakes (made with marg and icing sugar!)
• Eggless sponge cakes
• Spam or corned beef sandwiches
• Jelly if anyone had powdered gelatine or a tin
• Dripping on bread
• Potato salad (as spuds were still easy to get)
• Homemade ginger beer or National Lemonade

There was a lot of sharing and pooling of rations – people would use up whatever they had tucked away. And of course, anyone who had access to a bit of booze would have brought that out too!

🎶 Music & Dancing

Music was key – lots of dancing and singalongs!

• Big band music and swing from Glenn Miller, Vera Lynn, Benny Goodman, etc.
• Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover” would have been sung everywhere.
• Families gathered round the wireless for Winston Churchill’s speech and the King’s broadcast.
• People would dance the Lambeth Walk, Jitterbug, or just have a bit of a knees-up!
• If someone had a piano, it would be wheeled out and someone would get stuck in.

🎉 Party Games

Simple, old-fashioned games were popular – nothing fancy:

• Pass the parcel
• Musical chairs
• Pin the tail on the donkey
• Egg and spoon races
• Three-legged races
• Wheelbarrow races
• Tug of war

Children were a big part of it all – lots of excitement, sugar rushes, and running about the street.

Even though times were tough, VE Day was full of joy and relief. People were exhausted, grieving, and uncertain about the future – but for that one day, the whole country stopped to celebrate and take a breath!

If you’d like help planning the flow of the event around the performance, I’m always happy to advise – just let me know.

Looking forward to bringing the spirit of the 1940s to you!

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.