How Care Homes Can Celebrate VE Day on 8th May

VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) is a special opportunity to bring generations together, honour history, and celebrate the spirit of community. For care homes, it’s a chance to create meaningful moments for residents, staff, and families alike.

On 8th May, many residents will have personal memories of VE Day itself, making it an especially poignant event. With thoughtful planning, care homes can host celebrations that are respectful, inclusive, and full of joy.

Here are some ideas to help you mark VE Day in your care home:

1. Create a Vintage-Themed Party

Bring the 1940s to life with music, decorations, and classic British treats. Bunting, union flags, and wartime posters can transform communal areas. Encourage staff and visitors to dress in 1940s-style clothing to set the scene.

🎶 Play songs from Vera Lynn, Glenn Miller, and other wartime favourites — and organise a singalong or a gentle afternoon dance.

2. Hold a Remembrance Moment

Plan a short, respectful remembrance moment in the day to honour those who served. This could include:

• A reading of a wartime poem or excerpt

• A minute’s silence at 3pm (when the country traditionally paused)

• Residents sharing memories or family stories from the war

3. Host a Wartime Afternoon Tea

Organise a classic afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches, Victoria sponge, and cups of tea served in vintage china (if available). You could also prepare ration book-themed menus and small keepsakes for residents to enjoy.

4. Share Stories and Memories

Many residents may have first-hand memories of VE Day celebrations. Host a relaxed storytelling session where residents can share their experiences — or record them (with permission) to create a lasting memory archive for families.

5. Get Creative with Crafts

Leading up to 8th May, organise arts and crafts sessions where residents can:

• Make bunting

• Create VE Day-themed posters or paintings

• Decorate cupcakes or biscuits with red, white, and blue icing

6. Connect with Families and the Local Community

If possible, invite families and local groups to join the celebrations, either in person or virtually. A small garden party (weather permitting) or a video call gathering can bring everyone together safely and meaningfully.

How Caters Can Help

Looking to promote your VE Day celebrations or create beautiful keepsakes for residents and families?At Caters, we can help with:

• Designing and printing event posters, invitations, and menus

• Creating memory books or photo albums to capture the day

• Supplying bunting, banners, and themed signage to make your celebration extra special

We’re here to make your care home’s events stand out — with thoughtful design and high-quality print solutions tailored to your needs.

Celebrate, Remember, and Enjoy

VE Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a moment to celebrate resilience, honour memories, and bring people together.With a little planning, you can create a wonderful day that residents and families will treasure.

Need help getting your event materials ready? Get in touch with Caters today — we’d love to help you make this VE Day one to remember!