What is the VE Day 2020 timetable? From Winston Churchill’s victory speech to the Queen’s address

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THE 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day has arrived – and despite the UK-wide lockdown, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the big day.

Although some of the traditional public events we’d usually expect have been cancelled due to social distancing requirements, there’ll be lots happening today to mark the event.

Despite the coronavirus lockdown, there’ll be plenty of ways to mark VE Day

Timetable for VE Day celebrations

Two-minute silence

At 11am, a two-minute silence was held to honour the sacrifices of those who served in the conflict.

This year, it was also used to reflect on the impact Covid-19 has had.

Royal British Legion livesteam

At 11.15am, the Legion will host a VE Day 75 Livestream bringing together generations from World War Two to today.

The interviewees will discuss their experiences.

Some will have served in the war, while others will be on the frontline against coronavirus.

Brits around the country are decorating their homes and streets ahead of the big day

Winston Churchill’s victory speech

At 2.45pm, Sophie Raworth will present VE Day 75: The Announcement of Victory on BBC One about Winston Churchill’s famous speech given on May 8 1945.

Churchill, then Prime Minister, addressed the country from Downing Street to give the news about the surrender of the Nazis and the end of the war in Europe.

A full recording of the speech will be played, alongside personal testimony read by well-known public figures who recall the VE Day celebrations, and music performed by the military.

Musicians take to their doorsteps

Musicians around the country will be invited to play the Last Post from their homes at 2.55pm.

National toast to our war heroes

At 3pm, Brits will be encouraged to go outside and applaud those who fought and died during the conflict.

The BBC will host a musical tribute in lieu of the usual street parties we’d expect

VE Day: The Lost Films

Channel 5 will be showing clips from amateur film-makers that have been dug out after decades in storage at 7pm.

The films include a look at the extraordinary events of May 8, 1945, through the eyes of the people who were celebrating it.

VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration

BBC One will host a musical celebration at 8pm in a bid to replace the live events and street parties we’d usually expect for VE Day.

Stars such as Shane Richie and Beverley Knight will perform well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s, including Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover and When the Lights Go On Again.

The Queen’s address

A pre-recorded speech by the Queen will be broadcast at 9pm.

It’s the exact time her father, King George VI, gave a radio address on May 8, 1945.

We’ll Meet Again singalong

The British public is invited to sing along to Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again after the Queen’s speech.

The song will be broadcast on BBC One.

VE Day: Remembering

Famous faces such as David Attenborough, Bruce Forsyth, Miriam Margolyes and June Whitfield share their memories of the end of the conflict.

The show, on BBC One at 9.10pm, also includes John Craven who, aged four, was confused by the celebrations.