Bristolians are being encouraged to hang up bunting and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe while staying home.

With all planned public events cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bristol City Council is sharing a host of online activities and celebrations for those who want to join in on Friday 8th May.

A Union Flag raising ceremony attended by Bristol City Mayor, Marvin Rees, Lord Mayor and First Citizen, Cllr Jos Clark and a piper who will play Battle’s O’er, will be broadcast at 3pm on council social media channels. This will coincide with thousands of pipers across the country also paying homage to the moment 75 years earlier that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the war in Europe was over.

The Lord Mayor will also read A Cry for Peace Around the World at 6.55pm at the same time as people across the globe share the same reading. This will also be broadcast online.

Throughout the Friday bank holiday, Bristol Museums and Bristol Libraries will share commemorative activities, and City Hall will be adorned with bunting. In the run up to the day the council will offer top tips for ways residents can get involved, including how to hold a virtual street party or a picnic at home.

Mayor Rees explains: “The coronavirus pandemic will not prevent us remembering those who lost their lives 75 years ago, and celebrating that historic moment of peace.

“VE Day falls at a really appropriate time this year, as over the past weeks people in Bristol have come together to support each other as the crisis has taken hold. It’s been heart-warming and inspiring, and we are showing true stoicism like so many people in Britain had to during and after the war.”

The Lord Mayor said: “This is an important opportunity to reflect on those who sacrificed everything for their country and helped shape the freedom we have today.

“These may not be the celebrations we were expecting or hoping for, but we can still pull together as a nation to remember this very important date in history.”

A programme of national activities can be found online: https://www.veday75.org/programme/