As we approach the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, when the Germans surrendered, many people are still planning to celebrate the momentous day while in lockdown.

Ideas include having a stay-at-home tea, a social distancing catch-up with neighbours, or an appropriately spaced street party.

Istead Rise, near Gravesend, is one place where a VE Day celebration has been co-ordinated for Friday.

Ward councillor Dakota Dibben (Con) has worked with residents in each road to organise the stay-at-home tea, cake and catch-up with neighbours. It will also include some live music and a wartime sing-along.

Those celebrating the anniversary will be wearing red, white, blue or anything from 1940s fashion, as well as decorating their homes with bunting.

Annette Schiavi, of Haven Close, Istead Rise, said: “This is a great way to bring your neighbours together in a community way. This has given me an opportunity to talk to neighbours, some of whom I have never spoken to before, and to celebrate what is such a significant day in history with them.

“My grandparents got married the day after VE Day, and her grandfather was in the war, which is why it is significant to me.”

Cllr Dibben said: “I am so proud of how we have come together, to organise a celebration of what is such a significant day in history.”

Gravesham council has said it will be hanging out flags and bunting around the town while also sharing residents’ celebrations on its social media pages, where you can also watch the borough’s mayor, Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar, make an address to the public.

Leader of the council Cllr John Burden (Lab) said: “Like communities throughout the country, we had to shelve the plans we had to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day because of the coronavirus pandemic, but we were determined not to let such an important day pass unmarked.

“VE Day marked the end of years of suffering, deprivation and fear during the Second World War – a day when hope triumphed over despair and light shone out of the darkness.

“We are in the midst of our own dark days, but Friday should reassure us all that sometime soon these days will pass and we will be able to socialise and celebrate together.

"We couldn’t let VE Day go unmarked."

“For those who have to make an essential journey into town, we hope the celebratory decorations will help lift the spirits. And we trust those marking the anniversary safely by staying at home will enjoy the VE Day content we have put together for you.”

People in Dartford and Swanscombe have plans to celebrate while respecting lockdown rules.

Cllr Kelly Grehan (Lab), who helped set up the Covid-19 Dartford Mutual Aid Facebook group, says members will be running a number of events on the page throughout the day.

Kelly said: “The page aims to bring the community together at this time, and we couldn’t let VE Day go unmarked so on Friday we will have events through the day.

“Dartford Science and Technology College teacher Jonathon Dix is hosting a Second World War cooking session and we have performances including a monologue and a rendition of We’ll Meet Again. We are encouraging everyone to make and display bunting.

“Me and my neighbours are planning a socially distanced street party on Friday and are hoping to get our houses decorated and enjoy a tea and drink together.”

Swanscombe Cllr Emma Ben Moussa (Lab) is encouraging residents to take part in the virtual VE Day fun day.

She said: “I am excited to be taking part in virtual VE Day with my family and, as expected, Swanscombe is once again full of community spirit and decorating our town in red, white and blue.

“Swanscombe was preparing to hold a VE day family fun day this year and although it’s sad that the town council has had to suspend this, it’s nice to see that the celebrations will continue virtually.”

St George’s Shopping Centre, in Gravesend town centre, has launched an initiative to help children learn about the historic day, while helping to combat loneliness for people in isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre is encouraging young people to pick up the phone and chat to a neighbour or grandparent about their memories of that day 75 years ago.

A list of suggested questions to ask include when the person was born, what they remember of the day, how they felt when the war ended and how they will be celebrating this year.

Care homes across the towns are also planning to celebrate with their residents, including Watling Court in Ifield Way and Edward Moore House in Trinity Road, both in Gravesend.

A spokesman said they were planning to dress up in red, white and blue and a have a Vera Lynn sing-along with some traditional food.

Are you holding a celebration? Share your pictures with us at gravesend@thekmgroup.co.uk and dartford@thekmgroup.co.uk.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford