BCP Council has announced it will host numerous events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

A total of 11 events will be held across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. 

Each area will hold several celebrations on June 6 but only Bournemouth will hold events on June 8 which includes a procession from Westcliff Gardens to Bournemouth bandstand. 

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture at BCP Council, said: “This year marks 80 years since the D-Day Landings took place, and it’s important that we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.

“This moment in history paved the way for the Allied Forces to advance and liberate Europe, and we will forever be in their debt.

“I encourage everyone to come and take part in our local events – or watch the national D-Day commemorations at home and reflect on the enduring legacy left by this event, and over our local towns, which show the ultimate strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.”

The BCP area played a significant role in the D-Day landings which began the campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi control. 

Allied forces made camp in the UK before leaving from the south coast to cross the channel on June 6 1944 in a combined naval, air and land assault.

In the months leading to the landings, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, Dwight D Eisenhower and Britain's Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, Ground Forces Commander in Chief, met at The Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth to discuss strategic battle plans and visited troops stationed nearby.

Christchurch hosted the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force who made base in the town in 1944 while Poole was instrumental in naval manufacturing and was the third largest embarkation point for Normandy. 

Bournemouth

Thursday, June 6:

11am – Wreath laying at the War Memorial

9pm – Tribute from the new Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr George Farquhar, at the Beacon Lighting

9.15pm – Beacon Lighting at the Jon Egging Memorial

Saturday, June 8:

3pm to 8pm – Vintage entertainment in the bandstand in the Lower Gardens

5.30pm to 6pm – Procession from Westcliff Gardens to the bandstand

6.15pm to 6.25pm – Speech from Cllr George Farquhar, Mayor of Bournemouth and Chaplain

Poole

Thursday, June 6:

10.15am to 11.15am – Royal British Legion event with the new Mayor of Poole, Cllr Pete Miles in attendance. Events including laying a wreath at the Dolphin Quay Plaque

5.30 pm to 8.30pm – Vintage entertainment & poetry reading from local schoolchildren on a stage opposite the Poole Arms. Vintage military vehicles (TBC)

5pm to 7pm - St James' Church provides a place for reflection and shows a video detailing Poole's involvement with D-Day

8.30pm to 9.15pm – A flotilla of local professional vessels led by Poole Harbour Commissioners – please watch this from Poole Quay and not other vessels on the water

9pm – Sea Cadets March from Baiter Park to the Beacon lighting arriving at 9pm

9.15pm– Beacon Lighting near the stage opposite the Poole Arms

NB: 10.00am – 11.30pm Road Closure on the Quay

Christchurch

Thursday, June 6:

6pm to 10pm – Event by Christchurch Town Council featuring live music, local food, fun fair rides, face painting and a ‘history hub’ curated by local historians.

6pm – Town Crier’s proclamation from the King

6.30pm – Church bells ‘Ringing out for Peace’

9.15pm – Scouts light the Jubilee Beacon