Garstang's VE day anniversary plans put on hold

Garstang Town Council, together with other local organisations, had hoped to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe on Friday, May 8, with events throughout the weekend.

Town Coun Roger Brooks said: “Obviously with all the lockdown measures in force that will no longer be possible - although should the situation change in the next three to four months it may be possible to arrange an event in August (to commemorate) when the war in the Far East came to an end and all hostilities ceased.”

Coun Brooks also encouraged local residents to visit "The Big Neighbourhood VE Day web for ideas of how to decorate homes.

He especially urged people to join in the toast to “those who gave so much, we thank you” on May 8 at 3pm - the time that the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced to the world that Germany had surrendered.

Coun Brooks said: “Britain its allies and the countries of the British Empire had been at war since September 1939 and the country was exhausted and those of a certain age will remember blackouts and ration books which were a part of life until the early fifties. The country certainly pulled together and overcame the Nazi tyranny just as we will the secret virus enemy we now face.”

*May 8 which falls on a Friday, is now the official May day Bank Holiday.