British spirit shines through as virtual VE Day concert is staged in Lee-on-the-Solent

Facebook page LEE VE75 staged an afternoon of 1940s music via an online live stream to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of war in Europe.

It comes after commemorations in Lee-on-the-Solent were postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Scores of residents tuned into the broadcast, which was organised by Jonathan Moore, and featured a number of live performances, a quiz and Second World War reenactors.

Jonathan said he was amazed by the support shown by the community and praised Lee-on-the-Solent’s spirit.

He added: ‘I’m proud. Everyone is going past waving and the high street looks beautiful. I think it’s just phenomenal.

‘My mum and my dad were alive during the war, you hear all the stories and I felt that we could do something.

‘I would like people to have a sense of pride and enjoyment. To think that there is an end to this nation’s crisis and we will get through it.’

All the performers have volunteered their time and are fundraising money to donate to the NHS.

Singer Amanda Jane performed an hour-long set during the broadcast. she said: ‘I love the songs. I’ve got family in the military so I understand what the songs mean to people. I think it’s amazing, people can still celebrate and reflect.’

Jonathan hopes the originally-planned event will still take place in the future and added: ‘The event’s team has spent a lot of time and effort but there will be sense of pride of what we are doing.

‘The event LEE VE Day 75 has just been packaged up, boxed, and is ready to be delivered when we are able to do so.’

Elsewhere, residents at Canford Manor Nursing Home, in Manor Way, spent the afternoon reminiscing.

Administrator Vicci Phillips said she wanted to ‘cheer’ up the residents – some of whom served during the war – with some proper ‘British spirit’.