WHEN the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, celebrations to commemorate Victory in Europe (VE) Day were cancelled – but Petersfield will mark the 75th anniversary of the day with an inaugural YouTube broadcast.

Produced by Chris Pellett of Churcher’s College, Petersfield Town Council will broadcast a recording of commemorative events in the town, and history of the day, first celebrated on May 8, 1945, after Germany had surrendered to end the Second World War fighting in Europe.

Petersfield vicar Will Hughes will lead, and Company Sergeant Major Steve Field of Petersfield Salvation Army will sound the Last Post.

Rose and Thistle Pipe Band Pipe Sergeant Daniel Del Piccolo from Petersfield will join pipers across the world to pipe Battle’s O’er and the specially composed tune VE Day 75.

Petersfield mayor Lesley Farrow and East Hampshire District Council chairman Keith Budden will give addresses, and Alice Farrow will sing the Vera Lynn song We’ll Meet Again.

Town councillor James Deane said: “As a finale we invite everyone to raise a glass in their homes, or at their front doors, out of respect to those who showed so much spirit all those years ago at home or abroad, now matched by the spirit being shown today.”

The broadcast starts at 2.20pm on Friday, May 8, and can be viewed at youtu.be/e6fwuMXhOO8