Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945, signalled the Allied Forces’ acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender and the welcome end of six years at war. It was also a day of bittersweet emotions as people reflected on the hardships of war and the loss of family, friends and homes.

It’s said that everyone remembered where they were on VE Day and HLF funded projects are ensuring these memories, and those of the war itself, are captured for  future generations.

Many projects focus on the Home Front, from rations, fashions and changing streetscapes to the story of how the conflict shaped people’s lives. 

Other projects are giving veterans a voice. Oral testimonies are an excellent method for doing this and citizen journalism website ‘The Latest’ is working with Royal British Legion clubs to create a living memorial website of personal accounts and artefacts.

While many of those who served in the war were able to share their experiences with their loved ones, others had to keep their story to themselves, even after the war ended. Many were involved in secret missions and clandestine activities. A project by Arts Asia is telling the inspirational story of Noor Inayat Khan, an Indian princess who became a British secret agent and the first female radio operator to be dropped behind enemy lines. Look out for the exhibition which will open in June at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in West Sussex.

In London , VE Day is the focus of Digital Drama’s free audio exhibition, on show at the Rose Theatre in Kingston until Thursday 21 May. A recreation of local streets and a wartime garden, complete with an Anderson shelter, will feature photos, memorabilia and voices of those who celebrated in Kingston and Islington. The recordings of memories will also be available to listen to on Digital Drama’s website.

If you’re passing through, why not pop in and find out what it was like when Winston Churchill addressed the nation, Princess Elizabeth joined the celebrations, and thousands of people took to the bunting-filled streets.