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Street party held to mark VE Day

Holly Phillips
BBC News, Yorkshire
BBC / Sally Fairfax Brenda smiling while holding a VE Day 80th anniversary flag. Behind her are families sitting at Union flag–decorated tables enjoying food, drinks and having conversations. The sky is bright with white clouds and there are green trees in the background. BBC / Sally Fairfax
Brenda, 85, had a picnic and danced to music at the event in East Park

A street party has been held in Hull as part of this week's VE Day commemorations.

People gathered in East Park, on Holderness Road, to celebrate 80 years since the end of World War Two.

The free community event featured themed tableware and entertainment, as well as face painting, balloon modelling and support from members of Hull KR.

Organiser Helen Thackeray said: "Being able to come together in an open and friendly situation and to be able to talk honestly about what went on in the past is brilliant for everybody."

Ms Thackeray added: "What's been lovely is people sitting with people they have never met before and some people have restored some old friendships today which has been brilliant.

"It's been interesting hearing the older ones talking to some of the younger ones that didn't even realise what the day was, so they've been explaining why it's so important and why they should be here today."

Sally Fairfax/ BBC Two women dressed in vintage floral dresses and white cardigans stood with parasols beside a VE Day 80th anniversary banner. They stand in front of a bandstand at a lively outdoor celebration, with fairground rides and Union Jack bunting in the background.Sally Fairfax/ BBC
Vintage duo The BBB's performed songs from the 1940s

WW2 veterans who attended the event were given a commemorative pin badge to thank them for their service.

Ms Thackeray said: "It's probably the last chance we've all got to make this celebration. We've been able to talk to people who actually lived through the war.

"We're getting to 80 years now. It's a long time. It's really important, more so than ever, that we don't forget exactly what these people did for us."

Sally Fairfax/ BBC An elderly man in a green blazer, patterned jumper and checked shirt smiling at the camera during a VE Day 80th celebration outside East Park Library. He is wearing a brown hat and glasses. He has a grey moustache and his blazer had three pin badges on. Behind him, people are sat at a long table covered in Union Jack bunting and refreshments. Sally Fairfax/ BBC
Jeffrey Chapman reflected on his memories of VE Day 80 years ago

Jeffrey Chapman, 92, was just a teenager when his dad went abroad to fight and he had to look after his mother at home.

He said: "I remember all the bombing and people round about getting killed, friends of ours.

"They are still in my mind are them lads playing cards and having a drink and all that. I lost so many of my friends."

The BBB's, a vintage duo from Hull who formed after meeting in a choir four years ago, performed at the event.

One member of the duo said: "We love making people smile. It's great when they sing along and it's so lovely when we get friends and family coming to support us as well. We absolutely love that.

"It's just like going back into time."

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