Katherine Jenkins will sing for VE Day to empty audience

Katherine Jenkins will sing for VE Day to empty audience

Katherine Jenkins will sing to an empty Royal Albert Hall to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe (VE Day) on Friday.

Libby Hogan has this story.

Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins is singing wartime favorites to mark the 75th V-E Day on Friday (May 7), but this is in front of an empty Royal Albert Hall in London.

It's the first time in the venue's 150-year history hosting a performance behind closed doors.

The event will be a virtual one, a recording streamed on Youtube at 6 pm local time.

"It's totally surreal to be here at the Royal Albert Hall without any audience.

I have done many concerts here, and so I have soundchecked to an empty room, but never this empty.

It just feels absolutely magnificent to see it like this and I feel very honoured that they have allowed me to do this." Friday marks 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe.

And as part of that the stream will feature Jenkins singing a virtual duet with Dame Vera Lynn.

Dame Vera entertained British troops during World War Two with songs that captured a longing for home and peace including 'We'll Meet Again' - which the duo will perform together.

"The concert is very much a tribute to the wonderful music of World War Two.I have to say the team have really had an amazing spirit of doing the best that they can to get this show together, so that we can celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day in style." Jenkins hopes her performance will boost in morale for those stuck at home.

The event is also in support of the Royal Albert Hall's fundraising appeal and the British Armed Forces charity's Emergency Response Fund.