D-Day 2024: What is it and 14 ways Bristol will celebrate the 80th anniversary including concerts
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D-Day is only a few days away. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, an important historical day for Europe and America.
Scroll through to find out what D-Day is and how it will be celebrated around Bristol.
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Hide AdWhat is D-Day?
D-Day celebrates the date when the Allied armed forces landed in Normandy, France, in Operation Overlord during World War II. This was the largest seaborne invasion in history and the start of Allied operations, which would ultimately liberate Western Europe.
When is D-Day's 80th anniversary?
The anniversary is this Thursday, June 6.
14 D-day celebrations taking place in Bristol and nearby
Commemoration Ceremony at St Mary's Church, Almondsbury
On June 6, Almondsbury's St Mary's Church will be holding a commemoration ceremony at 8.30pm, followed by a torchlight procession from 8.45pm and a beacon lighting on Almondsbury Hill at 9.15pm. The last post will be played and there will be music from the Severn Whalers. Church Road, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4DT


Beacon lighting ceremony at The Jubilee Centre, Bradley Stoke.
On June 6 at 9.15pm, Bradley Stoke Town Council will hold a short lighting ceremony and reading of The International Tribute at the Jubilee Centre, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Bristol BS32 8HL.
A lamp of peace at The Memorial Garde, Yate
On June 6 at 8.30pm, Dodington Parish Council will be playing the last post before lighting a lamp of peace at 9.15pm, a reading of the international tribute and a two-minute silence at The Memorial Garden, QEII Playing Fields, Kelston Close, Yate, Bristol BS37 8SY.
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Hide AdThe International Tribute at Doynton Mill Field
From 6.15 on June 6, Doynton Parish Council will be celebrating The International Tribute at Doynton Mill Field (off Rookery Lane). There will be hot food on sale from 6.30pm including fish and chips, and a beacon will be lightened at 9.15pm. For information on who to contact for tickets to the event, visit https://www.doyntonvillage.org/events.html#
On June 8 from 7pm, the Filton Concert Brass Band will lead a commemorative concert at Trinity Academy in Lockleaze. South Gloucestershire Good Afternoon Choir and The Filtones Community Choir will also be performing, and there will be a raffle and light refreshments available. Tickets can be bought online or on the door.
Performances at Centenary Fields, Frampton Cotterell
On June 6 from 7.45pm to 9.15pm, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council is hosting an event at the Centenary Fields in Frampton Cotterell. Activities include the Crossbow Singers performing wartime songs at 8.30pm, Air Cadets drill at 8.45pm and beacon lighting and declaration with a piper at 9.15pm.
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Hide AdLive music at the BMX Track, Patchway
On June 6 from 6pm to 9.15pm, Patchway Town Council has organised live music, food and drink, military vehicles and weapons, and local stalls as well as lighting a beacon at the BMX Track in Patchway.
Beacon Lighting at Siston Hill
On June 6, the Siston Parish Council will hold a beacon lighting event on Siston Hill with a 1940s quartet and piper. A service will be led by Reverend Rosemary with the beacon being lit at 9.15pm.
Beacon lighting at Tylers Field, Yate
On June 6, there will be musical entertainment from 7pm before the beacon is lit at 9.15pm.
D-Day exhibition at Whirlpool Factory
On June 8 from 10am to 1pm at the Whirlpool Factory, Station Road, Yate Heritage Centre is marking 83 years since the bombing at the Parnell aircraft factory as part of its D-Day 80 commemorations. The new exhibition focuses on the attacks and gives people the opportunity to tour the First Aid Post bunker used during World War II.
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D-Day service at The War Memorial, Page Park
Page Park will be holding a service of Remembrance alongside Staple Hill Salvation Army and Band on June 9 at The War Memorial from noon to 1pm.
D-Day 80th Anniversary Community Concert at St Monica Trust, Westbury on Trym
On June 4 from 7.30pm to 10pm, the UK Forces Veterans Show Band and Badminton School with guest vocalist Mark Porter will be performing music of the 40s at Cote Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3UN. Tickets cost £15 for general admission and £10 for under 18s and can be booked here.
D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration at Southmead Road
On June 6 from 11am to 7pm, Trymview Hall Care Home will be celebrating D-Day with wartime singers and a 1940s-themed tea party at 145 Southmead Road, Bristol, BS10 5DW. To learn more about the event, call 01224 042928 or email [email protected].
From June 4 to 8, Weston Museum will hold a D-Day exhibition illustrating the impact the years 1939 to 1945 had on Weston-Super-Mare as a town. This exhibition is curated by John Crockford-Hawley.
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