Next Friday May 8, marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day - but celebrations in Ashby and elsewhere have had to be cancelled due to the current Coronavirus lockdown.

The day was to have seen a major event held on the Bath Grounds which has unfortunately had to be called off due to the Government instructions.

But North West Leicestershire District Council is encouraging you to find ways to get involved on what will still be a Bank Holiday with a nationwide tribute planned VE Day 75th Anniversary

The local authority does, however, make it clear that social distancing measures will still have to be observed.

Decorating your home in red, white and blue will be one way of showing your support for what was a momentous day for the country.

But the council says: 'It would also like to encourage people to still take part in the Nation's Toast from the safety of your homes - and which will pay tribute to the many millions in the United Kingdom and overseas who sacrificed so much'.

North West Leicestershire District Council says it invites you stand at 3pm and raise a glass and deliver following toast: "For those that gave so much, we thank you."

It is first time such a tribute has ever taken place and the Council is encouraging others to join in from their own homes.

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Current restrictions mean there can be no services in church on the day.

But Reverend Gill Pinnington of Christ's Church in Coalville will be holding a pre-recorded service that can be accessed on YouTube.

The Council has set out a timetable for what will be happening on the day.

• At 11am on Friday 8 May there will be a National moment of Remembrance and a two minute silence.• The Royal British Legion are hosting a VE Day Livestream at 11:15am where the WW2 generation will chat about their experiences.

• At 2:45pm, the BBC will broadcast Sir Winston Churchill's famous victory speech in which he addressed the nation to announce the end of the war in Europe. 

• The Nation's Toast at 3pm on Friday, May 8. You are invited to stand at 3pm and raise a glass or cup of refreshment of your choice and undertake the following toast: "For those that gave so much, we thank you."

• Her Majesty The Queen will send a message to the nation at 9pm on BBC One, the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945.

• The Queen's address to the nation will be followed by a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn's 'We'll Meet Again'. The public will be encouraged to open their doors and join in with this national moment of celebration.

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