VE (Victory in Europe) Day was celebrated on 08 May 1945, officially announcing the end of World War Two in Europe.
For the people of Northern Ireland, this was an important day to remember not only their contributions to the war effort, but the losses and sacrifices made by people living in the city during the devastating Belfast blitz of 1941.
VE Day was a time for celebration. Houses were garlanded with bunting and spontaneous celebrations broke out as men, women and children rejoiced. Street parties were organised all over Northern Ireland to allow families and neighbours to celebrate Victory together with feasts of cakes, desserts and special treats. The war was finally over and family life could return to normal; the threat of German bombs had ended, black out curtains were no longer needed and gas masks were cast aside!
On Saturday 09 May 2015, Northern Ireland War Memorial will host a special family event to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day. We will recreate a VE Day street party in our gallery and offer visitors a chance to sample some ration recipe treats like Patriotic Pudding, and Celebration Trifle while playing wartime games like Pin the Moustache on Hitler and Pin the Cigar on Churchill. There will be music and a chance for those who celebrated VE Day in 1945 to reminisce about the festivities.
Admission is free.
More information can be found at niwarmemorial.org.
Image courtesy of the collection of Northern Ireland War Memorial.
VE Day Celebrations Saturday 09 May
Date: 08/05/2015
