Virtual VE Day 75 Festival: Day 2

Stand with your services as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy, the National Army Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum are joining forces to host a free online festival, bringing to life the stories of those who helped deliver Victory in Europe.

The festival continues with tales from home and the front line, a '40s-themed swing dance class and concert, and a live talk with James Holland.

Download our full festival programme, and our party pack bursting with fun activities to help you celebrate VE Day at home.

Programme: Day 2

Life on the Home Front, 10am

Find out what life was like on the Home Front as the Second World War drew to a close.

• In the News, Spring ’45! – hear radio broadcasts from 75 years ago
• Digging for Victory – learn about food rationing during the war
• Make Do and Mend – learn about upcycling and repairing clothes during the war
• 1940s Hair and Makeup – learn to style your hair and find out what makeup was like in the 1940s!
• All night celebrations and street parties – find out what it would have been like on VE Day 75 years ago
• Get inspiration for your celebration from the National Museum of the Royal Navy Collection
• Women’s Voluntary Service – find out about the duties of the WVS

The Nation Remembers, 11am

Tune in to BBC One for a poignant two-minute silence paying tribute to the heroes of past and present.

Women in the Forces, 11.15am

Women served in all three branches of the armed forces during the Second World War. Listen to their stories and reflections brought to life by our Living History groups.

• Auxiliary Territorial Service – meet a member of the ATS, the women’s branch of the Army formed in 1938
• Women’s Royal Naval Service – meet Jean Gordon, who was a typist in the Writer Branch and who worked as part of Admiral Ramsey’s staff, preparing plans for Operation Overlord
• Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
• Special Operations Executive: A New Recruit – find out what it took to become an SOE agent

Voices from the Fighting Forces, 12pm

What was it like to survive the Battle of Britain? What did a soldier carry on his back? And who signalled across the world that war in Europe had ended? Re-enactors share stories of life on the front line.

• Life as a Pilot – still a long way to go
• Pack your Bag – discover the uniform and kit soldiers used in the Second World War
• Forgotten Fighter – the story of a soldier who served in the Far East with the 'Forgotten Army'
• Homecoming Hero – the story of a VC winner’s return from war
• HMS Victory signals Victory in Europe
• Action Stations – learn about what is like to be under attack, under the sea!
• Jewish Hidden Hero – discover the story of Peter Stevens

We Were There!, 1pm

Hear accounts and stories from veterans of the Second World War.

• Army Commandos: Interview with Stan Scott, who landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day
• Jewish Hidden Hero: Meet RAF pilot Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman
• Spreading the News of Peace: Meet Dorrie Thomas, the woman who signalled to ships across the globe that war in Europe was over
• Working in the Ops Room: hear from Katherine Du Plat

Why the Allies Won, 2pm

Register on Crowdcast for this live webinar in which renowned historian James Holland and National Army Museum curator Dr Peter Johnson discuss the events that brought the Second World War in Europe to an end in 1945. Registration will require an email address but no password.

The Announcement of Victory, 2.45pm

Tune in again to the BBC to watch Sir Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech.

Victory Dance Class, 4pm

Register on Crowdcast for this live beginners' dance class in which SwingdanceUK will teach you to Jitterbug and Jive from the safety of your own home. Registration will require an email address but no password.

The Bluebird Belles Concert, 5pm

Round off your Bank Holiday celebrations with a live concert from ‘40s-themed trio The Bluebird Belles. Sing along to some iconic tunes and practice your newly learnt dance moves.

We’ll Meet Again, 9.15pm

Join in with the National Museum of the Royal Navy staff and volunteers as they sing from around the country.

Show your support

Donate via this link or use the QR code below. Your donation will be split equally between the three museums.