Dame Kelly Holmes and Ross Kemp join schoolchildren for a patriotic buffet (Image: PA)
Children fly the flag as the countdown to a great British summer to remember starts.
Schools will be the centre of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marks the end of the Second World War.
A nationwide jamboree is planned for the May 5 Bank Holiday Monday as the country comes together to pay thanks to The Greatest Generation and the freedoms they secured.
Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and actor Ross Kemp are behind the plans and visited Hermitage Primary School in London as kids hung up the bunting and tucked into a VE Day 80 buffet.
Dame Kelly, 54, said: “Moments like this matter, they bring us together as a country and remind us of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted. They also give us an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the victory from the UK and across the commonwealth. Let’s make this a party to remember.”
Flying the flag: The double Olympic champion and actor will be leading celebrations on May 5 (Image: PA)
Victory in Europe Day on May 8 marks the formal acceptance of Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945, while Victory over Japan Day on August 15 is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the war to an end.
Nationwide celebrations will be held on the May 5 Bank Holiday but vets will help bring the occasion to life with school visits in what, for many, might be the last chance to share their stories.
Former hard man Ross, 60, said: “VE Day marks a major moment in our history – when Britain helped defeat the forces of fascism and protect our democracy.
“Taking part is an opportunity for us all to honour those who sacrificed so much, to reconnect with our neighbours and communities – and to remember the values that underpinned the victory. They matter as much today as they did then.
“This might be our last chance to thank the surviving veterans – so we should celebrate them in style.”