The Sunderland VE Day idea which has reached more than 12,000 people and there's still time to join

Izzy Macrae with the poppy circles she has made for the VE Day commemoration.

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

She created ‘The Big Neighbourhood VE Day 75 Family Festival at Home’ which she described as ‘one huge socially distanced at home family festival and street party that the youngest generation can really be part of’.”

Earlier this month, we told how Fiona’s Sunderland-based company 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.

The McPherson family who are joining in with the The Big Neighbourhood VE Day 75 Family Festival at Home’.

She said: “It's brilliant to see how many families and households across the UK are taking part.

“We have got people taking part right from down in Devon and Cornwall right up to the Highlands of Scotland.

“We started a map to see if we could get all of the counties celebrating with us and we have got every county in England and Wales joining in, and nearly all of the Scottish ones to.

“The group has 12,260 members right now but it is quickly rising.”

Pam and Sam Skinner get ready for the VE festival.

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.

Their latest project is the Festival pack and Fiona added: “We have got some amazing entertainers providing a festival line up with something for all ages - from vintage dance and 1940s music to magic and circus skills.

“We are running a fun Bake Off on the day and it's great to see so many kids getting creative and using our free festival pack to decorate their homes and gardens. They're all inviting their neighbours to join in too.”

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

Esme, Bronte and Oscar McPherson get into the spirit of the VE Day activities.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Jenson Leafe joins in the VE Day activities.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.