Raise a glass with this online forties' style knees-up for VE Day

Gin cocktails were a top tipple in the 1940s, and among events taking place this week to celebrate VE Day, will be an online gin-tasting session.

The celebration will feature forties' cocktails, with gin-tasting, a fun quiz, and a roll of honour for veterans from the war, and for present day heroes helping us through the coronavirus crisis.

This special Facebook Live event is available as a recording for anyone who can’t manage to make the date on Friday, May 8 at 6pm, but who would like to see it later.

Those interested in attending can register for the free event at the following link:https://facebook.com/events/541252349907512/

Facebook Live quizzes have been run by York Gin each Friday at 6pm since lockdown started, and this week’s gin tasting will coincide with the launch of the company’s own new miniature tasting pack of its five gins.

Gin cocktails that were popular in the 1940s will be prepared live on screen, for viewers to follow and enjoy at home.

Nostalgic musical entertainment will be provided by Sam Hird and Kirsty Hughes, both of whom are studying singing at prestigious music schools in London.

And for those who like to test their knowledge, a just-for-fun quiz has been designed to take viewers back 75 years with gin and history questions.

Presenters Susannah Baines and Jo Hird have already fronted five successful shows since the lockdown began.

Jo said: “Lots of people have said how much they’re enjoying our shows.

“They’re a real highlight of the week for them. And we love presenting them. The shows are light-hearted and topical.”

She continued: “This week we’ll be paying our respects to the heroes from the war years and today - while giving viewers lots to smile and laugh about as a much-needed released from the lockdown.”

The event is free but accepts voluntary donations to help the heroes at York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

The hospice is struggling financially, because fundraising efforts have been affected by the current lockdown measures.

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