75th Anniversary of VE Day

Big Picnic for Hope - Friday 8 May

Join us and 21 Cathedrals around the country in the Big Picnic for Hope! The event is an opportunity for households to be part of a virtual get together on 8 May to honour our heroes past and present. We might be living in lockdown and unable to gather for street parties or celebrations, but we can still celebrate the key worker heroes of our new ‘homefront’. The project also serves an opportunity to recognise that these times are difficult for many people. The national campaign is aiming to fundraise for the Trussell Trust, and in Portsmouth, we want to raise £750 towards the Roberts Centre, an organisation working to support the most vulnerable families and people in our area.

How to participate

Whether you are on your own or with other people at home, have a picnic in your home or garden.

Ahead of time, share your ideas about what to bake and make online using the hashtag #bigpicnicforhope to help inspire others to get involved. 

On the day itself, share your pictures with Portsmouth Cathedral on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #bigpicnicforhope. If you are able, consider making a donation to the Roberts Centre here.

Portsmouth Cathedral VE Day Service - Sunday 10 May, 11.00am

Join us for a service of readings and music as we remember the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. We will be welcoming The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and representatives from the Armed Forces to give readings, with music from Portsmouth Cathedral Choirs. The service will be broadcast on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel at 11am on Sunday 10 May.