Bunting, buns and parties they threw

BUNTING, banners and balloons came out in a riot of colour as Britain partied like it was 1945.

- By Jan Disley

Communities across the nation gathered together to mark 80 years since VE Day and the end of nearly six years of war.

There were trestle tables laden with red, white and blue anniversary cupcakes, Union flag tablecloths, sausage rolls, hopscotch games. And everywhere the strains of Vera Lynn.

For millions it meant spring sunshine, singing and dancing, 1940s dressing up and holiday fun. But for many it was also about the memories — their own and those of their parents and grandparents.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer served tea and cakes to guests at a Downing Street party for 130 people which included military families and 101-year-old wartime veterans Ruth Brook Klauber and Colin Deverell. Sir Keir spent about 45 minutes chatting to guests amid performances by wartime-themed singing group the D-Day Darlings.

At a street party in Sale, Greater Manchester, retired draughtsman Ted Ransom, 89, told how, aged nine, he tucked into “sarnies and jelly” in Trafford Park in 1945.

He said: “It was a real treat because we were on basic rations.