Seventy-five years ago, thousands of families across the UK celebrated after Winston Churchill announced peace after six years of war.

Victory of Europe Day was a day of celebration and relief in 1945 for families up and down the country who came out of their homes in their masses to greet their neighbours and host parties in the street.

Marking VE Day on Friday will be very different.

There will be no street parties, there will be no service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, there will be no procession down The Mall outside Buckingham Palace, and there will be no events in our communities either - but it does not mean you cannot recognise the historic occasion.

In Barnet, residents are invited to take part in virtual celebrations and reflect on the sacrifice, courage and determination shown by people in the Second World War.

Barnet Council is encouraging people to get involved in the celebrations safely, whether it is by holding a tea party at home or decorating homes with bunting.

The council is encouraging people to share their experiences through its social media pages, using the hashtag #VEDay75Barnet.

Residents are also invited to take part in a series of virtual celebrations hosted by the RAF Museum in Hendon, along with the National Museum of the Royal Navy and National Army Museum.

Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Caroline Stock, said: “Commemorations for the 75th anniversary of VE Day will be very different than planned, but there are still plenty of ways for people to mark the day while staying at home.

“This is an extremely significant date in our history and Friday will give us all an opportunity to reflect on the great debt of gratitude we owe those who served, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I wish you all the best if you are holding a tea party at home and I hope you will join with me in observing a moment’s silence on Friday morning and in undertaking the Nation’s Toast later in the day at 3pm.

“These are difficult times for many and I hope we will all soon be reunited with our family, friends and loved ones.”

Key moments taking place on May 8 include:

• Two-minute silence - official commemorations begin at 11am on 8 May with a nationwide two-minute silence

• Royal British Legion Livestream – at 11.15am the RBL will be broadcasting a 45-minute online livestreamExternal link bringing the World War Two generation together with today’s generation to chat about their shared experiences

• Winston Churchill - at 2.45pm BBC1 will broadcast Sir Winston Churchill's historic address to the nation announcing Germany's surrender.

• The Nation’s Toast - at 3pm people are encouraged to stand together and raise a glass of the refreshment of their choice and undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WWII’: ‘To those who gave so much, we thank you’. Barnet’s Mayor, Councillor Caroline Stock. will join in undertaking the toast via social media.

• Message from HM The Queen – at 9pm The Queen will give a recorded televised message to the nation on BBC1. This will coincide with the moment George VI made a radio address from Buckingham Palace 75 years ago

• Singalong– Following the Queen’s message, the country will be invited to join in a national singalong with Dame Vera Lynn for a rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again’.