STREET parties have been etched in the minds of Brits since VE Day in 1945.

It seems we always jump at the chance to throw a neighbourhood bash when the opportunity is there, whether it’s the Queen’s Jubilee, a Royal wedding, or a football match.

They combine the most idealistic parts of the British national psyche: community and the feeling of everyone being in the same boat.

So no wonder those who took part in the VE Day celebrations can remember them so well.

Gordon Hewitt, now 84, was nine when the war ended.

He reminiscences fondly of the party in John Street, Brighton.

The Argus: Gordon Hewitt, sitting to the far left, was nine when the Second World War endedGordon Hewitt, sitting to the far left, was nine when the Second World War ended

“Our street was quite heavily bombed during the war,” he said.

“We were fed up nice and proper, especially considering there wasn’t much food around at the time because of rations.

“We had the party right outside the shop and everybody was there.”

Like many children growing up in Brighton during the Forties, Gordon’s life was disrupted by the Blitz.

Kemp Town was hit particularly badly. In September 1940 a lone bomber dropped 20 bombs across Edward Street and Upper Rock Gardens.

The Odeon cinema was hit, killing four children and two adults, while another 48 died in the surrounding area.

The Argus: A Victory Bus outside Hove Town Hall. Photo: Royal Pavilion and MuseumsA Victory Bus outside Hove Town Hall. Photo: Royal Pavilion and Museums

Gordon had a particularly close encounter with a lone Luftwaffe fighter.

“My mum worked at the Allen West munitions factory, so we would go to Moulsecoomb in the day,” the Sompting resident said.

“One day we were playing in the street and a Messerschmitt came straight for us.

“Mrs Gray, who was looking after us, ran out of the house, picked us all up, and took us indoors.

“It was just like that, you didn’t think much of it at the time.”

Gordon was evacuated with his siblings to Durham.

But after 18 months the Luftwaffe began targeting the city and Gordon’s family moved back down to Brighton.