From barricades on Brighton beach to street parties throughout the UK, this event will look at how the hardships of the Second World War led to the celebrations and relief of VE Day. Enjoy a series of short talks by the Keep staff, who will showcase some of its collections and immerse yourself in a recreated 1940s sitting room. Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove, will introduce the event and reflect on the bombing raids inflicted on Brighton & Hove during the war. Kevin Bacon, Collections Senior Manager at the University of Sussex, will talk through the wartime experience of the city. Jessica Scantlebury, Mass Observation Archivist at the University of Sussex, will explore how Mass Observation’s extensive collection of Second World War diaries captured the thoughts and emotions of British people during the war and the celebrations of VE Day. There will also be a chance to see some original wartime archives, along with collections from Brighton & Hove Museums.