Coronavirus: Melton’s 1940s weekend and VE Day parade cancelled

The government guidance requiring people to self-isolate and socially distance themselves from others has also prompted the cancellation of the scheduled parade through Melton to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Shelagh Core, manager of Melton BID and the town centre manager, told the Melton Times: “In light of the current situation and following government guidance, the 1940s Weekend and Tea Dance has now been postponed until May 15 and 16, 2021.

“All the re-enactors, displays, musicians and stallholders booked for this year will be joining us now for our 2021 weekend, when we hope that we can bring the community together for an even bigger event and celebration.

“The VE Day 75th anniversary parade and celebrations are also cancelled for the May weekend, as they are nationally, though we hope to still celebrate VJ Day on August 15, depending upon the current COVID-19 situation.”

There are still plans for Melton people to pay tribute to war heroes and other veterans from the armed forces with a special ‘Clap Out to our Veterans’ event at 3pm on Friday May 8, the day the then British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, officially announced the end of the Second World War in Europe.

This is being organised by Sharon Brown, landlady of the town’s The Grapes pub, the co-ordinator of the 1940s weekend, who wants everyone to clap out of their windows or at their front doors as part of a national campaign in a similar tribute to that paid to NHS workers and carers last week.

A decision has yet to be taken on whether other planned Melton events will go ahead this summer, such as the Paint The Town Red festival and The Teenage Market.

Mrs Core added: “With regards the events programme for the remainder of the year we are continuing to monitor this and listen to government advice, with the hope to continue our events programme later in the year, if permitting.”