We won't be beaten by virus! VE Day celebrations set to go virtual in Boston

This Friday was intended to be a huge nationwide celebration and commemoration of that day 75 years earlier – until the coronavirus pandemic, undoubtedly the biggest disruption faced by the world since the Second World War, changed all our lives.

But despite the current situation, events across the country are being planned with many set to battle circumstances to try and mark the historic anniversary.

In Boston, a number of organisations have teamed up to put on a day long virtual VE Day celebration, with everyone staying at home.

Visit Boston, Boston Borough Council, The Biz Boston, Boston Jive, and Boston Guildhall Museum have all come together to help mark the occasion.

A spokesperson for Visit Boston said: “Sadly plans to support celebrations across England have been delayed as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

“Instead, we are encouraging everyone to mark the anniversary with their own VE Day celebration at home.”

A spokesperson for Boston Council said: “Although public parades, parties and picnics have been cancelled, we in Boston are still looking forward to a good old knees-up - in the comfort of our own homes.

“We’d love everyone to join in by decorating their gardens and houses in red, white and blue and taking part in a borough-wide stay-at-home party

“If you are stuck for food inspiration, look out for our themed buffet ideas and put on a ‘street’ party for members of your household.

“We’ll also be sharing craft ideas so you can get creative. Why not start by making the @GreatBritishBunting with our friends at BBC Radio Lincolnshire?

“At 3pm, we’ll be joining the nation in a toast, so would ask you to raise a glass in commemoration of VE Day.

“To round off the day, the Queen will address the Nation and we invite you all to join the Royal British Legion sing-along at 9pm of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

Cllr David Brown, portfolio holder for tourism, arts, culture and heritage, said: “We may be in lockdown, but we can still celebrate this important anniversary and commemorate those who gave their lives.

“We can’t be together, but I know that won’t stop our communities putting the flags out and making the day special.”

The Biz performing arts school and Boston Jive will be putting on performances and there will be a sing-a-long with the British Legion in the evening.

Samantha Beeson, owner of The Biz, said it was more important than ever for this to be celebrated.

“On social media we are currently having this compared to the Second World War and the impact on life then and now,” she said.

“All we have to do to save lifes is stay at home – this celebration not only celebrates the end of the war but a chance for the whole community to celebrate and come together which, with so many feeling alone, is so important.”

She said the pupils were more than happy to get involved.

“They love a project, and a lot are very aware of the great importance of VE Day and wanted to help raise the community’s spirits.”

The Biz will be performing a group number ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, with some members also doing a solo each from the songs of the era. Samantha, Amber Sinclair and Hannah Bozier will also be doing a few Andrews Sisters numbers.

Boston Jive, which was formed by Claire and Neil Seabrook five years ago, jumped at the chance to get involved.

Claire said: “We had so many plans for VE weekend which are now in tatters, so to be a part of this fabulous celebration meant a lot!

“We are trying to get as many people involved as we can.

“Our wonderful Boston Jivers have been sharing out the event and getting their friends and neighbours to join in too and many will be dancing in their streets with us remotely at 2pm on the 8th of May.

“We have posted letters through our neighbours’ doors to say that we will be doing a little street dance for them on the day and have sent round flags, paper chains for the children to do, VE Day celebration packs including posters, recipes and sing a longs.

“Many of our neighbours are keen to get involved and we are so excited to do this with them, bringing that sense of community at a much-needed time.

“It is all at the two meter distance, we have been very clear about that!”

They have also shared a Charleston stroll dance tutorial on their Facebook Boston Jive page and will be sharing a vintage Victory Roll tutorial video, basic jive dance videos and a 1940s playlist for people to share and listen to.

“We just want everyone to get involved and have fun,” said Claire.

Follow the VE Day event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1636086443196560/