D-Day 80th anniversary

Thursday 6th June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed.

In 1944 Operation Overlord saw around 4,000 ships and landing craft set down about 132,500 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

As part of the celebrations, beacons will be lit at 9.15pm to celebrate the ‘light of Peace’ that came out of the darkness of war. Here, we will light a Beacon on the Butes at 9.15pm on Thursday 6th June, and a proclamation will be read by the Town Crier.

Everyone is invited to attend as an act of solidarity in supporting the message of gratitude, hope and peace.

We also remember all those who heroically gave their lives on this momentous day, that signalled the beginning of the end of the War and victory in Europe.

Given our proximity to our French neighbours and the tragedy that unfolded on our Island, the event has particular significance to us.