People in Doncaster are being asked to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day from the comfort of their home

Residents in Doncaster are being urged to commemorate the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces in 1945, ending World War II in Europe.
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People are being asked to celebrate the 75th Victory in Europe Day – VE Day - from the comfort of their own home due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The council has organised a special virtual event on the recently launched online platform www.dnconnects.com which will include lots of Second World War-related content and appropriate entertainment.

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The event will include a mix of entertainment, celebration and commemoration.

There are performances by singers and musicians carefully selected to celebrate the 75th Anniversary, including a number of specially recorded pieces just for Doncaster.

There will be footage from the archives, a rendition of We’ll Meet Again and a specially recorded version of The Last Post filmed during the lockdown period by a solo trumpeter, part of Doncaster Council’s School Music team.

The film will premiere on VE Day – Friday, May 8 - at 2pm and be shown again at 7pm.

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It can be accessed by links on www.dnconnects.com and will be posted on Doncaster Council and Visit Doncaster social media with links through to the YouTube platform hosting the event.

Following the 7pm showing, the film will be stored on dnconnects for people to view at their leisure.

This will enable people to watch from home and be part of Doncaster’s celebration of VE Day.

Ros Jones, Doncaster mayor, said: “We are facing some stark challenges at the moment with people making selfless contributions and sacrifices in light of the Covid-19 emergency.

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“With this in mind, this year’s 75th anniversary of VE Day seems even more poignant.

“While we cannot organise a public event for people to pay their respects to those who fought in the Second World War, we are putting on a virtual event where people can log on to www.dnconnects.com and come together to honour and remember all of those war heroes.”

Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor, said: “VE Day is a day that will live in the national consciousness forever.

“For those who lived through the War, it was a moment of profound collective relief.

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“For those who didn’t, the commemoration is an important opportunity to remember those who lost their lives and reflect on the service and sacrifice of millions.

“I urge everyone to mark this important day at home, whilst still following the social distancing guidance that is in place. Together, we can still come together to say thank you and ensure that the service and sacrifice made by millions is never forgotten.”