ON FRIDAY, May 8, Brits will celebrate Victory in Europe Day – or VE Day – and many Brits will want to hang out the bunting.
Here's a round-up of where you can buy items to decorate your home.
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Where to buy bunting
There are lots of independent businesses making and selling items like this on the internet – good options include The Cotton Bunting Company and Party Pieces, which is run by Kate Middleton's parents.
Amazon is currently selling this 32ft red, white and blue bunting for £6.99.
Known as the UK's largest flag shop, Midland Flags have a range of bunting on offer for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
They did have some available specifically to commemorate the day, but have all sold out.
Instead, you can purchase one from their Union Jack range.
Make your own bunting for VE Day
BBC Local Radio is encouraging people to make their own paper bunting to hang in windows.
The simple craft activity is a perfect way to keep the kids quiet on a rainy day in lockdown and show respect for the fallen soldiers of World War II.
Other craft shops and websites have created tutorials – which might be a nice way to pass the time whilst brushing up on your sewing skills.
Hobbycraft have a page dedicated to homemade bunting here.
The Sewing Directory has also released step by step instructions to make the decorations.
Where to buy flags
The Flag Shop specialises in giant flags and longer lengths if you're thinking of decorating the entire street.
On Amazon, a full-size, 5ft flag is available for £3.95.
On Etsy, you can download, print and colour in your own Union Jack flags.
Flagpole Express is also offering a range of flags, many of them printed with red, white and blue.
If you're looking to design your own flag with your little ones, there's a host of resources available for free on The Purple Pumpkin Blog.
Where to get hold of a 'Tommy in the Window'
Armed forces charity Royal British Legion Industries has also launched its Tommy in the Window campaign.
Supporters can buy clear plastic figures of World War Two soldiers, or Tommies, to display in windows.
The campaign has received the backing of the former head of the British Army General Lord Richard Dannatt, who said the Covid-19 crisis should not stop people marking the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe in 1945.
The figures are made by injured veterans in its social enterprise factory.
The models can be purchased on the VE day website here.
Where to buy Union Jack-themed party plates
The weather is set to stay mostly dry this week, so if you're hoping to take a Victoria sponge out into the garden, some retailers will ensure even your picnic has a VE Day theme.
The Works is selling lanterns, paper cups and even cutlery with the flag on.
There's also plenty on eBay – from paper plates to real china commemoration plates.
Which supermarkets will be open on VE Day?
While the Government has shut all non-essential shops, lots of supermarkets are still open on the big day for essential shopping.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Aldi and Waitrose are all keeping regular hours.
None of the supermarkets have any specific commemorative memorabilia, but you can stock up on food for a garden picnic.
Why do we celebrate VE Day?
The event, which this year will coincide with the early May bank holiday, is regarded as one of the biggest celebrations in British history.
It commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s surrender by the allied forces, heralding the beginning of the end of the Second World War, a conflict that cost millions of lives.
The Normandy landings in June 1944 proved instrumental in achieving victory for the allies, as did the huge eastern offensives of the USSR.
This year, due to the coronavirus lockdown, the day will be a much quieter affair than usual.
However, we can still expect some pageantry – the Queen will lead this year's event with a special address to the nation, followed by a nationwide singalong to Vera Lynn and indoor WWII-themed street parties.
And many will choose to decorate their homes with bunting and flags to commemorate the event.
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