BRITAIN is gearing up for a national knees-up to mark the 80th anniversary of peace in Europe.
On May 8, 1945, the officially came to an end after six years of conflict, and to celebrate, the UK threw a massive party.
Now, 80 years on, we are throwing our own parties in streets and gardens throughout the country to say a heartfelt thank you to the Greatest Generation.
Those who took part in are a dwindling band of heroes — most are now aged 100 or older.
This will be the last time we can show them our gratitude by holding parties, wherever you live.
And to get YOU all in the mood to party we have teamed up with and The Food Warehouse to provide everything you need for your VE get-together — absolutely FREE.
We are giving away a total of £10,000 to 20 winners who will each receive £500 in Iceland vouchers to spend on a street party or special get-together.
Iceland has more than 900 stores which will have everything you need for the big day.
From crowd-pleasing picky bits to delicious mains and sweet treats, you will find all your favourites in-store and online.
While VE Day is officially Thursday, May 8, thousands of parties are being held on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.
These amazing parties are planned as part of the Great British Food Festival which encourages people to come together to share food and mark VE Day.
And with £500 to spend on food and drinks at Iceland or the Food Warehouse, your party could go with a real swing.
Millions of people are expected to hold a street party, a picnic in the park, a barbecue or join a local community event to pay tribute to the heroes of yesteryear.
TV star says: “This is the last time we will have an opportunity to say thank you to them.
“To let them know that we care and honour their sacrifice and that we wouldn’t have the liberties and the freedoms that we enjoy today without that sacrifice.
“The bank holiday is also about bringing communities together — , families, friends, community groups, teams, rugby clubs.
“Come together on May 5 for barbecues, curry nights, picnics, have street parties and celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy, that we often take for granted . . . but which came at a price.”;
VE Day 80 will be extra special after thousands of street parties and huge events to mark the 75th anniversary in 2020 were cancelled because of Covid.
In a televised address to millions of worried people, famously said: “The streets are not empty — they are full of love”;.
Five years on, the streets, fields and gardens really will be filled with love as we hold thousands of parties to celebrate those who lived through the war and were there on VE Day.
Together Coalition co-founder Brendan Cox said: “As in 1945, the heart of our celebrations will take place in our communities.
“We want to encourage everyone to share food with their friends and neighbours on May 5 and celebrate what we have in common.”;
Star chef Raymond Blanc said: “Food is one of the best ways of connecting people and there is no more important date to celebrate together than VE Day.”;
And judge added: “I’m proud to be launching the Great British Food Festival.
“I hope people feel inspired to cook and share their .”;
