People in Skipton are being encouraged to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day by celebrating at home.

The town was to have joined in national celebrations, starting on Friday, May 8, but with everything cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis, it is asking residents and businesses to instead take part in the At Home in Skipton street party.

Skipton Town Council has joined forces with Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) to create a three-day programme for people to join in the celebrations, and to decorate their homes in patriotic red, white and blue, while remaining at home and observing Government instructions on social distancing.

Kerry Wheelwright, events manager for Skipton Town Council, said “The original VE Day celebrations were due to take place on the long weekend from Friday, May 8 in collaboration with Skipton Waterway Festival, with decorations and events planned throughout the town.

“It is a great shame that our plans for our spring, summer and VE Day events have to be put on hold, but the safety of the public and our team members is paramount.

"The public is being asked to stay home for a prolonged period of time, and with that in mind, we’ve looked at ways to bring the celebrations to the homes of our residents in responsible ways, and still support the British Legion with fundraising, while also adhering to government guidelines during this period of lockdown."

Skipton businesses are going online so people can still celebrate the moment in history while staying at home.

The 'At Home in Skipton street party' is encouraging people to decorate their houses with bunting and flags and to have a picnic or barbecue in their front gardens, driveway, balcony or living room.

Any business keen to get involved in the celebration is being encouraged to contact Skipton BID.

Geraldine Thompson, Skipton BID director, said, “Skipton BID wants to ensure that the hidden enemy COVID 19 doesn't stop the local community celebrating such an important milestone in our country’s history.

"In these testing times, community spirit and togetherness from the safety of your own homes is vital for everybody."

She added: "At the same time, events such as these under normal circumstances are a huge boost to our local economy, and we want to ensure our local businesses receive all the support they can during this difficult period of transition.”

A full programme of online events and where to find them will be announced in the coming days.

They are expected to include creative art projects, 1940s music and dancing, online cooking tips, and1940s dressing up, with uniforms positively encouraged.

The VE Day At Home Skipton Street Party falls under Skipton BIDs recently launched digital campaign, #AtHomeInSkipton.

Friday, May 8 will be the 75th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War in Europe.

The anniversary was to have been marked with a series of national events, culminating with a VE Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

For more information on the Skipton at home celebrations, visit: https://skiptonbid.com/at-home-in-skipton