Nation urged to celebrate VE Day at home with Forties dancing and Marmite bakes

LOCKDOWN need not stop people from celebrating VE Day, after English Heritage released a range of ration recipes from the Forties and instructions on how to do the lindy hop at home.

The charity has devised ways to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe behind closed doors following the cancellation of numerous events.

A page on the English Heritage website – featuring wartime recipes, dance steps and a make-up tutorial – has been viewed more than 74,000 times.

Anna Eavis, the curatorial director, said the charity was determined to encourage people to celebrate at home.

“Ordinarily we are focused on events, but the public are now looking to us for ways to celebrate at home,” she said. “People’s sense to feel part of a community has become stronger and they are using technology to do so.”

Among the recipes published by English Heritage are a savoury cheese and Marmite swirl and a sweet carrot scone. Instructions are also available for making ginger beer and lemonade.

The lindy hop, a swing dance, originated in New York in the 1920s, was taught to the British by their Americans allies in the Second World War.

Tomorrow, at midday, the website will host a “Dance for VE Day” tutorial, when professional dancers will demonstrate steps. In the evening, viewers will be invited to tune in and dance along to a swing-time troupe and band.

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is inviting members of the public to contribute to an online wall of remembrance.