MAY 8 is an important day this year, for both the future and the past. We will learn who has won the general election, but we will also look back.

May 8 is the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

On May 7, 1945 Karl Donitz had signed Germany’s unconditional surrender.

On May 8, much of the world rejoiced.

In this country, more than one million people celebrated in the streets.

In London, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace before the cheering crowds.

Princess Elizabeth – our present Queen – was allowed to wander, incognito, among the crowds and take part in the celebrations.

Parties took place in every town as, for the first time in six years, people looked forward to peace.

To celebrate this important anniversary, we want your memories and pictures of how north Essex celebrated.

Did you take part in a street party or was it a time of quiet reflection as you worried about loved ones still overseas?

Were you serving overseas or can you remember how your parents marked the event?

Whatever your age, or your memories, we want to share them with others in a special pull-out.

Please send your thoughts and pictures to gazette.news@nqe.com or write to Gazette VE Day, Unit 1, Brunel Court, Severalls Industrial Estate, Colchester, CO4 9XP.

Ensure you have copies of any pictures you send, as their safe return cannot be guaranteed.