VE Day 75: Join Classic FM’s ‘stay at home street party’

6 May 2020, 15:56 | Updated: 8 May 2020, 16:29

We’ve got a selection of special programmes and patriotic music lined up to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and World War II.

Join us this Bank Holiday Friday (8 May) for a day of wonderful music and special programmes to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The commemorations will begin at 6am when Tim Lihoreau starts the day with a selection of suitably joyous and celebratory music on More Music Breakfast, and will lead up to a very special Full Works Concert hosted by Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson, Sir Nicholas Soames.

Below is a full schedule of Friday’s programmes:

Sir Nicholas Soames’ special VE Day Full Works concert

More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau

Tim Lihoreau kicks off the VE Day festivities with the most uplifting and celebratory music, perfect for getting you in the mood for an ‘stay at home street party’ fit for the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. Join Tim from 6am.

John Suchet

From 9am, John Suchet presents a special all-British Classic FM Hall of Fame Hour to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

He’ll be playing the finest patriotic music to soundtrack the morning, along with soundtracks to on-screen depictions of World War Two.

At 11am there will be a two-minute silence to remember lives lost during the war.

Read more: Join Sir Nicholas Soames for a special concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day >

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Anne-Marie Minhall

At 1pm, Anne-Marie Minhall begins Classic FM’s VE Day Requests – a bumper four-hour programme of dedications and requests from listeners. Anne-Marie will help us all craft the perfect soundtrack for a ‘stay at home street party’ to celebrate and commemorate the VE Day 75, with plenty of uplifting favourites and nostalgic melodies.

Phone in with your request on the day on 03457 49 1812, or message Anne-Marie and let her know what you’re up to via the Classic FM website here.

Colonel Tom Moore on Classic FM Requests VE Day special

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, on Classic FM Requests VE Day special

75th Anniversary of VE Day Concert

Our commemorations conclude with a very special Full Works Concert presented by Sir Winston Churchill’s grandson, Sir Nicholas Soames.

Sir Nicholas will spend the evening playing music associated with World War II and Victory in Europe Day, together with famous quotes and speeches that his grandfather made during the conflict.

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At 8pm on Friday, we present a very special concert of music and words to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and remember World War II – hosted by Sir Nicholas Soames, the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. #VEDay

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There’ll be a selection of patriotic music featured in the programme, including William Walton’s musical depiction of the Spitfire, and a complete performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 – which includes the four-note motif famously used for the V for Victory campaign.

Soundtracking the evening are a host of world renowned orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Join Sir Nicholas Soames for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day Concert from 8pm.

Her Majesty The Queen’s VE Day Speech

At 9pm we will be broadcasting Her Majesty The Queen’s VE Day address.