How people in Watford celebrated VE Day

Celebrations erupted in 1945, as Germany formally surrendered towards the end of the Second World War.

The day, which is now known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, is celebrated every year in the UK and despite lockdown restrictions people in and around were still determined to take part in festivities. 

Many people listened to music and ate food outside on their street while neighbours stood at least two metres apart.

Here are a few pictures to show how people in and around Watford celebrated last Friday.

Street Parties

People from Holland Gardens riding vintage bikes on VE-Day. Credit: Karina Tearle 

Foodbank donations. Credit: Karina Tearle

People living in Holland Gardens in Garston decorated their homes with Union Jack flags and hosted a social distance street party.

One neighbour, Mike Tearle, placed a display of vintage bikes on his front drive for other people to view.

One bike which had a basket on the front was used as a donation box so people could give away non-perishable goods for The Watford Food Bank. 

The VE Day party for residents outside the care home. Credit: Tremona Care Home 

Tremona Care Home manager, Becki, outside with the residents. Credit: Tremona Care Home 

Elderly people living at Tremona Care Home on Alexandra Road also sat outside their home for VE Day.

They were all sat at a distance and were treated to some singing by Christian and Harrison Smith.

People living on Oakleigh Drive, Croxley Green, also sang songs and danced on their street for VE-Day. Posters were put through neighbour's doors, which included a time table of when to come outside.

Children then made barricades across their driveways to keep in line with social distancing rules. 

Daphne Stratton said: "Two ladies set up a dance routine and we had a great sing song.

"We were amazed that almost everyone of 65 houses turned out and celebrated. Dogs were dressed up and walked down the street and we managed to raise more than £200 for Watford General Hospital."

Displays of drawings

The drawing display at Kingswood Nursery School. Credit: Kingswood Nursery 

Staff from Kingswood Nursery asked children of key workers to create drawings featuring the colours red, blue and white.

Pictures were emailed to the staff, and one member called Julie, spent time displaying them on the front fence of the school.

Headteacher Bernice Jackson said: "We were delighted by how many parents and children sent in their amazing art work.

"This great response proves how engaged all of our families are in supporting all our children to engaged with the activities we are sending home during lockdown."