BRITAIN is gearing up for a national knees-up to mark the 80th anniversary of peace in Europe.
On May 8, 1945, the Second World War officially came to an end after six years of conflict, and to celebrate, the UK threw a massive party.
Now, 80 years on, we are throwing our own parties in streets and gardens throughout the country to say a heartfelt thank you to the Greatest Generation.
Those who took part in World War Two are a dwindling band of heroes — most are now aged 100 or older.
This will be the last time we can show them our gratitude by holding VE Day parties, wherever you live.
And to get YOU all in the mood to party we have teamed up with Iceland and The Food Warehouse to provide everything you need for your VE get-together — absolutely FREE.
We are giving away a total of £10,000 to 20 winners who will each receive £500 in Iceland vouchers to spend on a street party or special get-together.
Iceland has more than 900 stores which will have everything you need for the big day.
From crowd-pleasing picky bits to delicious mains and sweet treats, you will find all your favourites in-store and online.
While VE Day is officially Thursday, May 8, thousands of parties are being held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.
These amazing parties are planned as part of the Great British Food Festival which encourages people to come together to share food and mark VE Day.
And with £500 to spend on food and drinks at Iceland or the Food Warehouse, your party could go with a real swing.
Millions of people are expected to hold a street party, a picnic in the park, a barbecue or join a local community event to pay tribute to the heroes of yesteryear.
TV star Ross Kemp says: “This is the last time we will have an opportunity to say thank you to them.
“To let them know that we care and honour their sacrifice and that we wouldn’t have the liberties and the freedoms that we enjoy today without that sacrifice.
“The bank holiday is also about bringing communities together — schools, families, friends, community groups, football teams, rugby clubs.
“Come together on May 5 for barbecues, curry nights, picnics, have street parties and celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy, that we often take for granted . . . but which came at a price.”
VE Day 80 will be extra special after thousands of street parties and huge events to mark the 75th anniversary in 2020 were cancelled because of Covid.
In a televised address to millions of worried people, Queen Elizabeth II famously said: “The streets are not empty — they are full of love”.
Five years on, the streets, fields and gardens really will be filled with love as we hold thousands of parties to celebrate those who lived through the war and were there on VE Day.
Together Coalition co-founder Brendan Cox said: “As in 1945, the heart of our celebrations will take place in our communities.
“We want to encourage everyone to share food with their friends and neighbours on May 5 and celebrate what we have in common.”
Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc said: “Food is one of the best ways of connecting people and there is no more important date to celebrate together than VE Day.”
And MasterChef judge Monica Galetti added: “I’m proud to be launching the Great British Food Festival.
“I hope people feel inspired to cook and share their recipes.”
How to enter
- It’s easy to take part. First download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk.
- Go to the Offers section and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Iceland’ page.
- Collect THREE out of SEVEN Sun Savers codes. We will print one Sun Savers code daily in the newspaper until Friday, April 25. You can find today’s Sun Savers code on page 20.
- Enter or scan your three Sun Savers codes on the app or website by midnight on Friday, April 25 to be automatically entered into the competition.
- Or sign up to Sun Club for the offer price of £1.99 and enter without the need to collect ANY Sun Savers codes.
