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Istead Rise residents celebrate VE Day

People pulled together to organise a celebration for the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday.

The festivities were co-ordinated by Istead Rise ward councillor Dakota Dibben and residents in each road in the area.

VE day celebrations in Istead Rise. Picture: Harriet Howes
VE day celebrations in Istead Rise. Picture: Harriet Howes

Residents organised a stay-at-home tea, cake and catch up with their neighbours, and arranged for live music and singing of war songs.

Everyone dressed in red, white, blue or 1940s fashion, houses were also decorated with bunting.

Annette Schiavi, of Haven Close, said: “This is a great way to bring 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 on the day after VE Day, and her grandfather was in the war, which is why it is significant to me.”

Households also drew and created pieces of art to lift spirits and celebrate the 75th anniversary.

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

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