Feature: Party time for army veteran Eric, as Britain announces three-day events to mark 70th WWII end anniversary

World War Two veteran Eric Goldrein, 94, is to finally turn up at an end-of-war party, 70 years late.

Goldrein was serving in Italy with the British Armed Forces in the Royal Artillery when the news came through that war in Europe had ended.

He heard about street parties across Britain celebrating the victory against Adolf Hitler's Germany. As he was still on active service in mainland Europe he missed the parties back home.

Goldrein and his comrades had to make do with an impromptu party in a field in Italy.

"We celebrated in a field in Italy, the Signallers set up speakers playing music and the locals came out and joined in too, happy the war was finally over," he recalled.

"I heard about the street parties back home and now I'm looking forward to being part of the 70th Anniversary celebrations."

Goldrein, from the village of Hale, near Liverpool, was responding to today's announcement of three days of official celebrations and commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary in May of VE Day, Victory in Europe Day.

The three-day event was announced by politician William Hague, Leader of the House of Commons.

Commemorations include a major parade, a service of thanksgiving and a star-studded music concert in central London, to street parties around Britain.

Hague said: "I am delighted to announce 3 days of celebrations, which will pay fitting tribute to those who did so much to defend this country and ensure victory in Europe."

"It is right we take time to reflect on the sacrifices made, not just by those in the Armed Forces, but by civilians such as Land Girls and those in Reserved Occupations and make sure the whole country has the chance to take part in commemorating this momentous anniversary and remembering those who gave so much for our freedom," said Hague.

Celebrations in London will be echoed by events across Britain with local communities encouraged to participate.

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, National President of the Royal British Legion said: "We are honored to play our part in helping the nation mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. The commemoration of this conflict, still in living memory, gives us the opportunity to salute the Second World War generation."

On May 8 there will be a Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London, attended by the leaders of the main political parties, the Chief of the Defence Staff, members of the armed forces, and representatives of Second World War veteran groups, together with armed forces charities.

The British public across Britain will be asked to observe a two-minutes silence at 3 p.m. the timing coinciding with the moment the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill broadcast to the nation in 1945. The nationwide 2-minute silence will be marked by firing guns from saluting stations in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast and by Royal Navy ships at sea.

Schools and communities across the country are being asked to organise parties or picnics to mark the anniversary.

On May 9 churches and cathedrals across Britain will ring their bells at 11 a.m..

On May 10 there will be a service at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by a parade of 2,000 people linked to the war, passing the balcony where Winston Churchill appeared before the crowds on VE Day after his famous speech to mark Victory in Europe. There will also be a flypast of current and historic aircraft from the Royal Air Force to conclude the celebrations. Endit