County events to commemorate D-Day 80th anniversary

01 May 2024

A series of special events are taking place in June in Northumberland to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. 

Blyth will be the focus of activity, with major events on the Quayside and the beachfront, culminating in a dazzling beacon lighting ceremony on the evening of June 6th. 

That date 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. 

The bravery and sacrifice of those people in securing the peace and freedom enjoyed today will be recognised at the events in Blyth and around the county, organised by Northumberland County Council on D-Day, and Blyth Town Council on June 1st. 

On Thursday, June 6th, D-Day proclamations will take place at 8am through Parish and Town Councils throughout the county. Later, a specially commissioned D-Day Poem will be recited at 11am in schools across Northumberland. 

From 4pm, one of the biggest community events of the year organised by the County Council will take place – culminating in a spectacular national beacon lighting. 

‘Northumberland Remembers’, which will be set up on Blyth Links, is a family focused event featuring a music stage with acts playing songs from the era and performances from Boulmer Military Wives Choir, Coquet Band and Soldiers of Swing.

And around 6pm, weather permitting, there will be a flypast from a vintage plane - either a Tiger Moth or a Chipmunk.

The evening will see a Commemoration Service on the plaza area outside the Dave Stephen’s Centre from 7:45 pm, followed by the lighting of a national beacon on the roof of the Centre by a local 100-year-old veteran at 9.15pm. 

The evening ends with communities being asked to pause for an International Tribute. 

Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “This is a significant anniversary in both British and world history and it is right the county is coming together to remember those whose bravery and sacrifice brought us to the peace we enjoy in this country today. 

“With events across the county and Blyth, it’s an opportunity not only to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also to commemorate all those involved and ensure through activities aimed at all ages, that the events of D-Day are not forgotten. 

“A lot of work is being put in to ensure this is a truly memorable day and we’re looking forward to a big turn-out of all ages.” 

Starting the commemorative events is the Quayside Festival on Saturday 1 June - an event hosted by Blyth Town Council running the full length of the quayside from 10 am until 4 pm. 

The Quayside Festival will feature a variety of live musical performances, including those by The Community Voices Choir, Tall Ships Shanty Singers, The Victory Rollers, and Graeme Danby, and will also feature a local solo artist from Blyth.  

The event will also showcase a range of food options and local businesses. 

The Military will be present at the event and will display various activities, including a climbing wall and bungee run. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force as well as the local cadet groups, to learn more about their work and potential avenues for involvement.  

Local youth and community groups will also be in attendance to demonstrate what they have to offer for young people in the town. 

Blyth Battery and Rotary will also be joining the festivities with Army jeeps and cars from the era. The car park area of the enterprise centre will have rides and stalls, and the Harbour Commissioner’s building will be open for public exploration. 

Blyth Mayor Warren Taylor said: “Being able to welcome so many military groups to Blyth is a great honour and a wonderful way to show our appreciation to not only those who sacrificed so much 80 years ago but also to those who still do to this day.  

“The Quayside Festival is a day for families to explore, interact and learn from those in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Airforce first hand, an exciting opportunity for so many young people in our town.”