Council hands out 1940s lockdown party packs for VE Day

Breckland district councillor Sam Chapman-Allen is taking part in the council's programme of events for Local Democracy Week. (Image: Archant)

Breckland Council is sending out the 1940s packs so communities can still celebrate the milestone, on the weekend of May 8, from the safety of their homes.

The packs, being shared on social media, include wartime recipes for the family to try, party bunting to cut out and make, posters to put up in windows, colouring templates for children, a VE competition set by Dan Snow and a Spotify wartime playlist.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the council had approved £30,000 in funding to support events across the district.

But despite all VE day celebrations being cancelled amid the pandemic, Breckland’s leader Sam Chapman-Allen said he hoped communities were still able to reflect on the “challenges faced by the generations before”.

Breckland Council are sending out 1940 party packs so communities can still celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day, on the weekend of May 8, from the safety of their homes. Photo: Breckland Council (Image: Breckland Counci)

Mr Chapman-Allen said: “The council had previously approved £30,000 grant funding to support more than 66 community events to celebrate VE Day, however the pandemic means these have had to be postponed.

“We’re still encouraging people to mark the event though, while staying at home and doing their bit to save lives as the country takes on this new battle.

“People across the district have shown incredible spirit in the last few weeks and we’re sure that will shine through on VE Day.

“I hope people will make the most of the opportunity to make bunting to decorate their homes, download the special VE Day posters to colour and display in windows, enjoy some 1940s music and, most importantly, reflect on the sacrifices and challenges faced by the generations before us.

Breckland Council are sending out 1940 party packs so communities can still celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day, on the weekend of May 8, from the safety of their homes. Photo: Breckland Council (Image: Breckland Counci)

“While it’s a shame we can’t be out in the streets celebrating together, the most important thing we can do right now for our country is to stay at home to keep each other safe and remember that, as Vera Lynn said, we’ll meet again.”