Mendip District Council will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on its social media channels this year – and it's urging residents in the Shepton Mallet area to join in the virtual commemorations too.

The coronavirus outbreak has restricted traditional community events, however the council is inviting people to post their stories, photos and videos online instead, so they can be shared as we all celebrate together on the Bank Holiday Friday, May 8, 2020.

Nationally at 11am, there will be a two-minute silence to reflect and remember when the guns across Europe also fell silent, after six years of devastating conflict.

Staff and members of the council will be taking part in the Nation's Toast to the Heroes of th Second World War at 3pm, from the safety of their own homes, by standing up, raising a glass and undertaking a toast which declares: "To those who gave so much, we thank you."

There are plans to broadcast Winston Churchill's rousing speech on TV and radio, and there will be contributions from Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Queen will broadcast to the nation at 9pm – the same time as her father, King George VI, gave his historic radio address on May 8, 1945. This will be followed by a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again.

A countdown of many of these key events, and more, will be listed on social media, including on the council's recently-launched official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mendipcouncil/. You can also follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/MendipCouncil.

Cllr Damon Hooton, the council's armed forces champion, said: "At this time of international crisis when we celebrate and show respect and gratitude to new heroes, let us not forget the former servicemen and servicewomen and civilians who served our country during the Second World War to secure the freedom we have today.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude, so please join us on VE Day in any way you can to show your thanks and support for these remarkable people."

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "Many millions fought for our freedom and others supported the home front.

"Mendip will to mark the milestone and honour them, albeit in a different way. Despite the lockdown, we will celebrate this poignant anniversary.

"We will never forget the sacrifices that were made. Now more than ever, we must come together and unite."

Shepton Mallet Nub News will be previewing and reporting on VE Day lockdown celebrations in the town. If you are planning a celebrations, please let us know by emailing [email protected].