We might be under lockdown but Newcastle is still determined to celebrate VE Day in May as our nation - like the rest of the world - gets used to living life very differently.
Whereas there had been huge events planned for people to attend across the country to mark the big war-time anniversary - which this May marks 75 years since the declaration of Victory in Europe - the lockdown means that all plans are now focused on how to involve people online.
And in Newcastle, besides the likes of Second World War -inspired activities, there are preparations being made to brighten up our day - May 8 - by illuminating the city 's iconic Tyne Bridge in a patriotic red, white and blue.
Families are being enouraged to make home-made flags and decorations for their house and there will be a virtual toast to join in too, raising a glass to the war heroes just before 3pm on the day.
Other plans include a two-minute silence at 11am and virtual war-time stories broadcast every hour until 4.30pm, all on the VE Day 75 Newcastle group Facebook page here, where viewers can also follow a live-stream from the Royal British Legion at 11.15am; Winston Churchill's speech at 3pm and a message from the Queen at 9pm followed by a national singalong.
The decision was made last year to change the early May Day Bank Holiday - which some diaries still have marked for May 4 - from the Monday to the Friday.
The reason was to create a long weekend devoted to marking such an important date in history: the moment that the guns finally fell silent over Europe and Winston Churchill declared victory. The only other time May Day had been swapped was in 1995 to mark the VE Day's 50-year anniversary.
But now that the coronavirus crisis has scuppered the plans for nationwide celebrations, which were to have included street parties and the late opening of pubs in an echo of what happened on the day 75 years ago, the hope is that they can be postponed, and held later in the year.
In the meantime, Newcastle City Council is among those which have come up with alternative ways to celebrate.
The council has worked with the likes of the library service to arrange events and activities so that city residents can mark the occasion as-one but from their own homes.
They are urged to come together virtually to celebrate the day by decorating their homes with flags and bunting and by sharing memories of loved ones who took part in the first celebrations 75 years ago.
Coun Karen Kilgour, who is also armed forced champion at the council, said: "This is an opportunity to remember those who sacrificed everything for their country and to celebrate a victory which has shaped how we live today.
“Of course, the restrictions in place due to coronavirus mean street parties and other events cannot go ahead but there are still things we can do to mark this very important date in history."
She added: "We can all take part in the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes from the safety of our own home at 3pm on May 8, as a thank-you to those who gave their lives to ensure the freedom the country enjoys today.”
The toast will be led online by the council leader and Lord Mayor. Meanwhile, children will be able to try out the kinds of games and activities that youngsters would enjoy back in the forties.
There will be a collection of war-time recipes to try too and also on the VE Day 75 Facebook page householders have been asked to share family stories, memories, photographs and videos from the time. Others shared them by emailing angela.hamilton@newcastle.gov.uk or rebecca.bolden@newcastle.gov.uk
Follow the events on the Facebook page here. For more information see here.
