Oh what a party! Communities come out to celebrate VE Day

Major events planned for the weekend, including the launch of the new East Coast Showground with a three-day festival, had been cancelled because of Covid-19restrictions.

And the message to the thousands of tourists who would normally head to the coast for a Bank Holiday was clear -'Stay at Home, the Coast is Closed - stressed by the police and the young members of our community from the Richmond School, who designed posters and made videos to spread the word.

However, the resilience of residents was clear and inspired by a national campaign to hold celebrations at home they set up tables in their front gardens for tea parties as part of the celebrations.

This may have been a far cry from what was originally planned, but after six weeks in lockdown families, food shortages in supermarkets and an obsession to buy toilet rolls in bulk, they perhaps understood in a small way why after six years of hardship the end of the war in Europe 75 years ago, people took to the streets to share their joy.

Celebrations began in Burgh le Marsh after the church clock struck 11am for the national two minutes silence.

People going about their day stopped and stood in tribute to those who were lost in the war and those we have lost during the coronavirus crisis.

Then the staff of the Spa shop came out into the street, waving flags and joining in a rousing chorus of Land of Hope and Glory.

Shortly after Sir Winston Churchill's speech declaring the end of the conflict in 1945 was televised at 3pm, neighbours across the area placed tables full of food and drink outside their homes for the street parties -this time however parted by fences, no chance of hugs and dancing together here.

Even so, the chance to socialise at safe distance was a welcome break from the isolation of the past few weeks.

"Everyone's ready for party," said the Norths of Elm Crescent in Burgh le Marsh, who actively encouraged everyone to get involved in a street party.

Preparations for the Hogsthorpe street party started the previous weekend Kerry Stafford said: "We had a baking day and everyone got the bunting out.

"VE Day started with the Red Arrows flying over. We all had a fabulous time. Every street in the village got involved and households made the effort to dress up.

"The singalong at 3pm also went well and we had some amazing feedback."

Among the amazing displays at houses was one by Newton Newton Flags, in Middlemarsh Road, Burgh Le Marsh.

It was done by Tracy and Scott Turner and Selina Newton.

Tracey Turner said: "We are an Army family with 104 years of service to Crown and country. We are the preferred supplier to The Royal British Legion as well as active legion members.

"Remembrance is very important to us. We also helped with some items for the fantastic display in the Hildreds Centre.

"The massive Union Flag is the size we usually supply to Parachute teams."

During the celebrations, Skegness Carnival Queen Summer Crane had a specially delivery of flowers from Rob Steven's of Ingoldmells Food Bank. "Summer has raised £107 for the ingoldmells Food Bank," said proud mum Katie.

The efforts of the community were appreciated by the organisation supporting those who have served their country.

Spilsby and District Branch of the Royal British Legion chairman Denis Chandler said: "I would like to give a very big thank you and a loud round of applause to everyone in the district for the superb displays of bunting and other memorabilia in the streets, on homes and even in hedgerows, to commemorate the end of the war in Europe 75 years ago on May 8.

"I was overwhelmed with the response and an intensity of feeling that our service people who lived through the Second World War or who perished doing their duty, should be remembered in such a way.

"The Legion is more concerned with those who survive and are in need but we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and its wonderful people of all generations.

"Due to the coronavirus the celebrations that were planned had to be cancelled to keep people safe. We in the Spilsby Branch would like to thank all those who spent so much time planning the celebrations. For those who were invited and unable to attend we can only extend our regrets and hope for better days ahead when we will surely meet again."