VE Day 75th anniversary in pictures

People across Caerphilly County Borough took to their front gardens on Friday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has cast a social cloud over the country, people did their best to celebrate and mark the occasion with social distancing in force.

Community spirit was on show up and down the Valleys with period costumes, bunting, 1940s inspired food, and listening to Churchill (albeit on a 21st century smart speaker).

On Caerphilly town’s Pontygwindy Road, a terraced block of neighbours pulled out all the stops with a magnificent display.

Leanne Stone, 46, has lived on the block of six houses for 25 years and said plans to celebrate VE Day were a collaborative effort with her neighbours.

She said: “This is just a proper community spirit. We couldn’t have better neighbours.

“We have all done an amazing job. We’ve been talking about it every Thursday when we have been out clapping. It’s been really good fun and kept us sane.”

The neighbours couldn’t buy enough bunting so had to make their own – in the end they made too much and donated some to other street parties.

Resident Moira Thomson, 65, has lived on the street for 30 years.

She said: “I’m the vulnerable one in this block and my neighbours are being really helpful – it just shows the spirit that goes on here.”