VE Day: How celebrations in previous years compare to today under lockdown

This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day

This year on the 75th anniversary of victory in Europe during the Second World War, VE Day celebrations will differ greatly to previous years.

The commemoration falls during the seventh consecutive week of nationwide lockdown in the UK, which was established in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

As such, people across the nation have had to cancel or adapt their VE Day plans as they remain at home.

Last year, it was announced that the early May bank holiday had been moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May so as to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Pubs were expected to stay open past their usual closing hours as part of the festivities.

While many VE Day celebrations were unable to go ahead this year, the annual observance is still being commemorated in various ways.

The Queen is to deliver a special televised speech at 9pm, the same time her father, King George VI, broadcast a radio address to the public in 1945.

Furthermore, the RAF’s Red Arrows conducted a flypast, which will be shown on the BBC at 3pm as part of the broadcaster’s VE Day coverage.

To learn more about the significance of VE Day, click here.