Katherine Jenkins to perform ‘We’ll Meet Again’ with Dame Vera Lynn at Royal Albert Hall – How to watch live

Mezzo soprano will perform at the historical venue from behind closed doors as the country remains in lockdown

Katherine Jenkins will perform a live show in an empty Royal Albert Hall to make the VE Day 75th anniversary.

The event will take place on Bank Holiday, Friday 8 May, in a first for the RAH’s 150-year history.

Jenkins said in a statement: “In London on VE Day 1945, over a million people celebrated Victory in Europe and the end of nearly six years of war. Crowds gathered en masse in Trafalgar Square and up the Mall to Buckingham Palace and whilst we may not be able to celebrate this year as we once did, it’s only right that we don’t allow the 75th anniversary of this historic day to be overshadowed.

“Having been part of the 60th and 70th events, I wanted to do something to help bring the nation and the world together in commemoration and celebration at this difficult time. I’m excited that we can still come together, albeit virtually, for a tribute of wartime songs and musical memories from London’s most iconic concert venue. The Royal Albert Hall will be seen like never before – empty, isolated and yet still breathtakingly magnificent!”

Jenkins will perform wartime songs including “The White Cliffs of Dover” and “We’ll Meet Again”, the latter as a virtual duet with Dame Vera Lynn.

The performance will close with a rendition of the hymn, “Jerusalem”.

Dame Vera Lynn said: “I'll never forget how ‘We’ll Meet Again” meant so much to all those soldiers going off to war as well as with their families and sweethearts. Seventy-five years since the end of the war in Europe, the virus has given those lyrics a whole new meaning. I have found the nation’s renewed love for the song very moving. I hope this special duet lifts the spirits of our VE Day Veterans and all those separated from loved ones at this time.”

The concert is being hailed as a chance to pay tribute to the fallen men and women of the Second World War and to salute the UK’s VE Day veterans, but also to thank the Armed Forces, NHS staff and key workers helping the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The performance takes place at 6pm on Friday 8 May, watch here.