The Stretford community is showing no signs of letting COVID-19 dampen their pride or enthusiasm for honouring the sacrifice of our World War 2 heroes this VE Day!
Led by Stretford Mall and Placemaker Events, the town will be coming together to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day and will honour our World War 2 veterans via ‘stay at home’ parties and activities for the whole community to enjoy.
The Mall has invited everyone in Stretford to help them decorate the shopping centre via a downloadable “Hero Bunting Kit”, which they’re asking residents to decorate with whichever heroes inspire them – be it a war veteran or their very own COVID-19 heroes.
As well as making this available to download, the bunting packs have been distributed for people to pick up at the Mall during their essential shopping, or at Placemaker Events HQ (business owner Haylea’s house!). Once completed the bunting can be dropped off at a specially created postbox at Placemaker Events too.
Local resident Haylea Osborne’s Placemaker Events is a family focused events enterprise, which has become a community hub for Stretford residents since lockdown. Haylea and daughter Tallulah have been creating regular activities and encouraging passing residents to help themselves in exchange for donations to local charities.
In the lead up to VE Day, the Mall will be giving residents lots of hints and tips on how to create the perfect stay at home VE Day party, as the retailers and community come together to help Stretford celebrate and honour the day.
All of this will be shared via Stretford Mall’s social media channels, and alongside all the other activity, is designed to get the community inspired and thinking about VE Day and how they can best mark this hugely important occasion.
Victory Curls by Georgie from the Mall’s Community Cafe Uplift
Georgie will provide a ‘how to’ video demo on creating Victory Curls so residents can get the authentic, vintage 40s hair look
Vintage Cocktails by Head Bar
Owner of Head Bar James Gibson and his mixology team have created a special VE Day-inspired cocktail, with a focus on ingredients that people are likely to have in their cupboards, for residents to make at home to toast WW2 heroes
Local Lindy Hop Dancing
They’ll be providing some guidance on how to get 40s style Lindy Hopping on the big day!
VE Day Soundtrack by Dr Sid
Manchester Vintage DJ, Dr Sid has curated a special VE Day-inspired 40s playlist for the Stretford Mall Spotify Channel so residents can get into the 1940s mood throughout the day
An Afternoon Tea Hamper has also been created thanks to donations from local Trafford businesses and will be delivered to World War 2 veterans in Trafford to ensure they have the perfect toast on the day.
