Defiant lockdown Brits join Katherine Jenkins in mass singalong of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ to mark VE Day

DEFIANT Brits in lockdown joined Katherine Jenkins in a mass singalong of "We'll Meet Again" to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

NHS staff, pharmacists, veterans and transport workers from across the UK all sang along with Katherine Jenkins' nation-wide rendition of wartime anthems.

It is the first time in the Royal Albert Hall's 150-year history that a performance has been made behind closed doors.

Ms Jenkins, who duetted virtually with forces sweetheart Dame Vera, 103, as a young woman, wore a flowing red gown and came onstage next to a grand piano.

The classical singer described the event, which was live-streamed on YouTube from 6pm, as "one of the most incredible experiences of my career".

Ms Jenkins said: "I have sound checked here many times before for my own concerts so thought I'd know how it might feel today, but it really was something special.

'MAKING HISTORY'

"I'm so honoured to have been asked to do this and excited that we are making history - a first for the Royal Albert Hall and for me of course.

"I was lucky enough to be involved in the 60th and 70th VE Day celebrations, so I've seen first-hand what these events mean to the veterans and their families."

She said: "We must do all we can to suitably honour this momentous day to the best of our abilities under the circumstances and we hope the nation will help us with that.

"I hope that you all enjoy and sing-a-long! It has been a day to remember!"

Later in the evening, Ms Jenkins sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow in the Buckingham Palace quadrangle ahead of The Queen addressing the nation.

It came as defiant Brits marked the anniversary of VE Day in lockdown today as RAF Typhoon jets and Red Arrows soared above the UK.

Families and neighbours were in good spirits as they marked the occasion with socially distanced street parties and picnics on their drives after the royals and Prime Minister earlier led a two-minute silence.

Residents on Novers Park Road in Knowle, Bristol, enjoyed a social distancing street party, featuring an abundance of Union Jack flags and bunting throughout the neighbourhood.

In Leicestershire, a man played the Last Post outside his jubilantly decorated home, as the rest of his street fell silent.

And neighbours watched on as Royal Navy veteran, Charles Medhurst stood outside his home in Greenwich during a nation-wide silence remembering our fallen heroes.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Millions across the country paused for two minutes at 11am to remember those who served in the Second World War - and the price so many paid for freedom.

The Prince of Wales was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall as he led the poignant tribute, placing a wreath at a memorial near Balmoral.

Camilla, 71, laid a floral tribute along with a touching handwritten note for her father, Major Bruce Shand, who fought with the 12th Lancers.

It read: "In memory of my darling father, and all the officers and men of the 12th Lancers, who fought so bravely to give us peace. Camilla."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister observed the silence from Downing Street, along with millions of defiant Brits who quietly reflected from their homes and doorsteps.

Their tributes came after the Red Arrows flew just 100 feet over London and RAF Typhoons soared over Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The planes set off just after 10am this morning in London, flying over landmarks including Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Small groups gathered to capture the moment - using their daily exercise to share in the spectacle.

VE REMEMBER

On May 8, 1945, fighting stopped as the Germans surrendered to the allies, marking the end of Adolf Hitler’s war and sparking celebrations around the globe.

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - honours the occasion each year.

The flypast is sure to have lifted the spirits of locked-down Brits who are marking the occasion under heavy restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Millions took to their doorsteps to remember those who fought for them - including Royal Navy veteran, Charles Medhurst who was pictured outside his decorated home in Greenwich today.

He is one of the "greatest generation" of World War Two veterans whose pluck and steel will inspire the nation to defeat coronavirus, the Prime Minister said.

In an open letter to the dwindling band of heroes who defeated Hitler, Mr Johnson wrote: “On this anniversary, we are engaged in a new struggle against the coronavirus which demands the same spirit of national endeavour that you exemplified 75 years ago.

“We cannot pay our tribute with the parades and street celebrations we enjoyed in the past.

“But please allow us, your proud compatriots, to be the first to offer our gratitude, our heartfelt thanks and our solemn pledge: you will always be remembered.”

Mr Johnson sent a separate ­letter to veteran Don Sheppard, celebrating his 100th birthday at home with his wife in Laindon, Essex, after a big party had to be cancelled. He wished him “a jolly good knees-up as befits an old soldier still going strong”.

He also held a Zoom call with 102-year-old Second World War veteran Ernie Horsfall, one of the UK's oldest surviving servicemen.

Mr Johnson told Ernie - who has seen 25 Prime Ministers and four British Monarchs during his lifetime - that he was "awesome" and a "credit to his generation".

Yesterday, the PM observed a minute's silence at Westminster Abbey, honouring those who lost their lives by lighting a candle at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Meanwhile sailors, soldiers and Royal Marines aboard support ship RFA Argus patrolling the Caribbean spelled out 75 on the flight deck.

The Sun Pub of the Year, the Don War Memorial Bar in Stockton on Tees, joined parties across the country at 2pm by hosting a two-hour Facebook sing-along with customers at home. At 3pm there were TV replays of the speech PM Winston Churchill gave on VE Day.

And from the balcony of her home in London, Dame Joan Collins was leading the national toast: “To those who gave so much — we thank you.”

Stay At Home Street Parties were taking place across the UK with social-distancing Brits celebrating in their front gardens or in communal spaces.

Town criers will take to the streets at 6.55pm before church bells ring at 7pm.

The Queen’s speech to the nation ends at 9pm with the BBC holding a national sing-along of the Vera Lynn classic We’ll Meet Again.