GARDEN parties, houses decked out in bunting and a flypast from the Red Arrows were among the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Despite lockdown people across north Essex marked the anniversary of when victory was declared in Europe during the Second World War.

Creative youngsters made bunting and a one off projection to mark the anniversary was screened on to Colchester Castle.

The RAF staged flypasts across the country, with the Red Arrows soaring through the skies above Colchester on the way to London.

In Wivenhoe, people took to their doorsteps to belt our Vera Lynn classic We’ll Meet Again in a sign of community spirit.

A small ceremony to mark VE Day was also held at Merville Barracks with wreathes laid at the barrack’s Pegasus statue.

Colchester Mayor Nick Cope said: “Although we were not able to publicly commemorate the 75th anniversary the ceremony provided a moment to reflect on the momentous collective struggle.”

Millions across the country paused at 11am on Friday to remember those who served.