The People’s Victory: VE Day, 1945
Sunday 11 October
The Court House Ballroom, Jury Street
10.30am
In May 1945, the quirky social survey organisation Mass Organisation asked its volunteer writers to keep a diary for VE Day.
This talk by Lucy Noakes introduces these diaries and shows that, alongside the street parties, bonfires and public celebrations, many marked the day more quietly – or did not to mark it at all. Worries about what to eat and whether the shops would be open, were recorded alongside tales of walks in the countryside, church services and gardening. Lucy’s talk outlines and explores the varied and complex reactions to the end of the war in Europe.
Lucy is a Trustee of Mass Observation, whose archives give us an unparalleled window onto the feelings and experiences of the people of mid-20th century Britain.
Tickets £12.00
includes refreshments
In association with