Vernon Kay broadcast his BBC Radio 2 show live from Beverley Memorial Hall yesterday as part of the station’s VE Day 80 celebrations.
The show was hosted in Beverley after local listener Linda invited Vernon to mark the anniversary in her hometown.
Dressed in 1940s attire, Vernon, his team, and travel reporter Ellie Brennan welcomed a specially invited audience including WWII veterans, people who remembered the original VE Day, and members of the Beverley community.
Live music was performed by local artist Calum Scott, who returned to his hometown for the occasion, and there was dancing from a lindy hop group from East Yorkshire.
During the programme, Vernon played archive clips from VE Day and displayed a rare vintage BBC microphone believed to be one of only two left from that time.
Ellie Brennan, who previously worked at BBC Radio Humberside, took to the streets to speak with Beverley locals about how they were marking the day.
Vernon said, “This morning was a fantastic celebration, but also an important commemoration. Thank you Linda for inviting Radio 2 to Beverley where we’ve had the warmest of welcomes. We heard the incredible stories from WWII veterans and wonderful memories of others who were back here at home when VE Day was announced to the nation.”
Radio 2’s VE Day programming continues this Sunday 11th May with “VE Day 80 – A Swinging Celebration” from 8 to 10pm, available now on BBC Sounds.