Image: Lisa Nandy delivers a speech at the National Theatre (DCMS)
IWM seeks public’s Second World War family letters for special National Theatre performance marking VE Day’s 80th anniversary at IWM North on 7 May
Imperial War Museums has launched a call for the public to share letters written by family members during the Second World War, culminating in a special performance as part of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced a comprehensive programme of activities to mark the milestone, including an immersive augmented reality experience exploring iconic images, educational resources for schools, and a new film focusing on young people’s aspirations after the war.
The Letters to Loved Ones campaign invites schoolchildren across the UK to explore their family histories and uncover correspondence from ancestors who experienced the war. These first-hand accounts may include letters from soldiers on the front line, civilians on the home front, or relatives who contributed to Britain’s war effort from Commonwealth countries.
Selected submissions will feature in a special event at IWM North on 7 May, jointly produced with the National Theatre, alongside readings by high-profile figures sharing letters from the IWM collection and excerpts from a new film, “The Next Morning”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “We must use the 80th anniversary of VE Day to reaffirm our shared commitment to preserve the memory of the men and women across the UK who served and sacrificed so much for the world we live in today.”
The Royal British Legion is spearheading educational initiatives with resources for every UK school, including a special film entitled “I’ll Remember: Discovering the stories of VE and VJ Day 80” featuring veterans’ reflections. The organisation will also create a digital time capsule of VE Day stories intended to be opened in 2105.
James Bulgin, Head of Public History at Imperial War Museums, added: “VE Day meant an end to war with Nazi Germany and an end to the killing after almost six years of brutal conflict. It also meant that families could finally look forward to being reunited, after years of separation.”
The public can submit family letters via the Government’s VE/VJ Day website before Monday 14 April to potentially have their stories included in the commemorative events.
