MASS gatherings to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day may have been put on hold for now – but people are still being called on to join in a host of home-based celebrations to commemorate three quarters of a century since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

This could include making and displaying bunting, putting posters up in your windows or having your own war time themed tea party at home.

There is a range of national commemorations taking place on VE Day this year including two special programmes on BBC One to mark VE Day 75 which will be shown at 2.45pm to 3.45pm and 8pm to 9.10pm. Other events include:

* 11am - A two-minute silence of remembrance

* 3pm - The ’Nations’ Toast to the Heroes of World War 2’ - stand at home and raise a glass of refreshment of your choice and make the following toast - "To those who gave so much, we thank you."

* 9pm - A pre-recorded television address from Her Majesty The Queen followed by a national sing-along of the war time favourite Dame Vera Lynn’s ’We’ll Meet Again’.

“We may not be able to take part in large gatherings or hold the street parties we envisaged for VE Day 75, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this momentous occasion and to honour the Second World War generation,” said Councillor Pat Evans, mayor of Farnham.

“At 11am on Friday, I will pause for a UK-wide two-minute moment of reflection and remembrance.

“Later, at 2.45pm, I plan to watch the broadcast of Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech and then at 3pm I will join the nation in paying tribute to heroes past and present by raising a glass and undertaking this national toast: ‘To those who gave so much, we thank you.’ Please do join me from the safety of your home.”

From home-made bunting and displays of poppies to garlands of Union flags and celebratory posters, Farnham residents are also encouraged to make use of materials they have at home to design a piece of artwork to mark VE Day 75. Share your creation by emailing a photo of it to [email protected] by May 12.

And over the weekend, people can mark the anniversary by having a VE Day-inspired picnic in the garden or by holding a virtual party for family and friends.

For those able to take their daily walk through Farnham town centre, a commemorative VE Day carpet bed has also been plated opposite the Farnham war memorial in Gostrey Meadow (pictured).

The mayor added: “In a few weeks’ time, it will look its best and will be a wonderful homage to the men and women who served in the Second World War and their families.”

Virtual church services are also to be held across the area to mark VE Day this weekend – such as in the Parish of Hale and Badshot Lea, where a special online service will be available from 9.30am on Sunday at badshotleaandhale.org, with appearances by TS Swiftsure and the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

The service will use images and music and memories from the Second World War and will reflect on similarities and differences between the war and the current lockdown. There will be reading from the Bible about true sacrifice and love by Lance Corporal Bibbings of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, along with prayers, a hymn and the national anthem.

Rev Lesley Crawley, rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale, said: “It is 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe and it is fitting to remember the sacrifices made by so many people in defence of freedom.

“Obviously, our celebrations this year are rather different from what we might expect and perhaps the memory of those sacrifices is made all the more poignant by taking place in these difficult times.”

Other towns and villages are finding their own novel ways of marking the occasion, such as New Alresford, where volunteers are to deliver a special VE Day cream tea to isolated elderly residents across the town.

And Hampshire County Council is celebrating with a specially-produced video with personal reflections and a performance from the Military Wives Choir.

The commemorative film brings together archive footage, with reflections from council leaders, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, serving members of the armed forces, the Dean of Winchester Cathedral, as well as the haunting voices of the Military Wives Choir.

Alton councillor Andrew Joy, Hampshire County Council’s armed forces’ champion, said: “During these challenging times it is important we seize the opportunity to celebrate and remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who delivered victory to end the Second World War.

“We also want to acknowledge the ongoing and significant contribution made by our armed forces across the world today, and to reflect on the importance of continuing to honour our heroes both past and present.”

At 10.30am the public will be able to join the live screening on the county council’s social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube – as well as on the county council website.

Council leader Keith Mans, added “While we may not be able to come together physically, we hope local residents will join us virtually.”

Hampshire Cultural Trust is hosting a range of VE Day-themed activities, articles, exhibitions and reminiscences online at www.cultureoncall.com

For posters to colour in, bunting templates, 1940s playlists, recipes and more stay-at-home inspiration, visit www.ve-vjday75.gov.uk