How you can commemorate VE Day during lockdown with a special new project

Entrepreneur Fiona Simpson is the brainchild behind an idea which will see households across the North East mark 75 years since the Second World War ended in Europe.

And the good news is, it can all be done from the comfort of your home or back garden.

Fiona owns and runs ARTventurers which is a way for children to enjoy creative play and was formed in 2011. Now, its a UK-wide business with 30 franchise branches including in Hartlepool, East Durham, South Tyneside and Wearside.

ARTventurers has created a free Festival pack so that people can make their own VE decorations and props in time for the anniversary on May 8.

Fiona said: “We had loads of fun stuff planned for the VE Day celebrations at ARTventurers - themed classes, some events and lots of creative activities for children and obviously that's all been put on hold now as the official commemoration events are.

“It looks like we'll still be on lockdown on the May 8 which is the special bank holiday date.

“I thought it would be great to transfer some of the stuff that we had planned into an "at home" family festival that people can join in with from their house or back garden.

“We can still make the day a memorable one for our kids. People can register for a free Festival Pack with us where we will supply templates and printables so they can make their own decorations and props with their children.

“We will be getting people to make window displays, sharing loads of activity ideas in the build up to the day and, on the day itself, we are going to have a timetable of online sessions for children that people can join in with at home.”

Activities include dancing, music, yoga, and cookery and Fiona added: “It has had a great response already. The general idea is that, whilst we are apart, we can still commemorate and celebrate together and get our children involved and creative at the same time.”

Those interested can register for a festival pack at https://www.artventurers.co.uk/the-big-neighbourhood-v-e-day-family-festival/

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