D-Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations

Background

In 2024 we are celebrating 80 years since the D-Day landings that marked the beginning of the end of World War Two. To this day, this is the largest amphibious military operation in history.

Codenamed Operation Neptune, this feat of military planning began in 1943 and was executed on June 6th, 1944 after poor weather delayed the start for 24 hours. Allies from thirteen countries were involved in the landings with 24,000 troops from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada making up the majority.

The stretch of Normandy coast that was targeted was divided into five sections: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Soldiers fought on these beaches under heavy fire and had to dodge mines, wooden stakes, and barbed wire to advance towards the enemy. Although allied casualties were high, this sacrifice paved the way for the liberation of Europe from Nazi rule and is largely regarded as the turning point of the Second World War.

There are several commemorative events happening in Wellington in the week surrounding the anniversary. This all kicks off with our annual Street Fair on Saturday 1st June which will have a 1940’s theme.

Street Fair – Saturday 1st June – 10am to 4pm – Town Centre

Wellington Town Council’s annual Street Fair returns with a 1940’s theme in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. There will be up to 80 stalls from local crafters, traders, charities, and community groups. Along with this, we have a packed schedule of entertainment on our stage including the swing/jazz group The Liberty Sisters performing some classic 1940’s tunes. We will also have special guests General Motors and Private Parts patrolling the fair in their miniature tank, just make sure you behave or they might set the confetti canon on you!

We are still accepting applications for the Street Fair, please see the links below for downloadable copies of our application forms. If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected]

Application Form – Traders

Application Form – Community Groups and Charities

Event Management Plan

Traffic Management Plan

Music in the Park – Sunday 2nd June – 2:30pm to 4:30pm – Wellington Park

The Friends of Wellington Park’s weekly summer programme of Music in the Park will launch Sunday 2nd June with Miss Ivy Belle and Rod Thomas. There will be a few swing classics in there and dancing is highly encouraged!

Beacon Lighting – Thursday 6th June – 7pm to 9:30pm – Wellington Park

Thursday 6^th June is the official anniversary of the D-Day landings and marks 80 years since troops landed on the beaches of Normandy. Wellington’s Town Crier Andrew Norris will be making the official D-Day 80 Proclamation at 10am in the town centre and in the evening Wellington Town Council will be joining communities around the country in the lighting of a beacon at 9:15pm in Wellington Park. This beacon represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. Prior the beacon lighting, Wellington Silver Band will be playing 1940’s music between 7:30pm and 8:30pm and members of the public are invited to bring a picnic or purchase burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream from Crosses Food who will be at the park in the evening.

Commemoration Service – Saturday 8th June – 10:50am to 11:30am – Wellington Park

The Royal British Legion’s Wellington Branch will be hosting a Commemoration Service at the war memorial in Wellington Park. This short service is open to everyone who wishes to join representatives in solemn remembrance.