D-DAY 80: What's happening in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester?
More details have been revealed about the commemorations
A few weeks ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we've been getting an update on the events being planned in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.
The three Town Councils have been working with partners like the Weymouth Museum, Castletown D-Day Centre and Nothe Fort to come up a programme of activities.
The bulk of it will take place on Thursday 6th June - the anniversary itself - with things like military car displays, beacon lighting and commemoration services being held.
Highlights include an evening event at Dorchester's Salisbury Fields, with visitors encouraged to take along a fish and chip supper; walking tours from Weymouth and Portland revealing more about the local links with World War Two action; and Weymouth's Jubliee Clock being lit up red, white and blue.
It's hoped there'll also be a Battle of Britain flypast visible across Weymouth Bay, but that's still to be confirmed and would be weather dependent.
Musical performances, boat tours, exhibitions, immersive theatre performances and more are planned too - from June 8th and June 22nd.
There's timetables for each town's activities being updated all the time from Weymouth Town Council's website.
In a joint statement, partners said:
“The roles that our three towns played in D-Day, the largest naval, air and land operation in history will never be forgotten. Weymouth and Portland harbours were key embarkation points for the Normandy landings.
"With so many American GIs swelling the population of Dorchester and the surrounding villages during these preparations, it’s fitting that we should come together 80 years’ later to commemorate the Allied troops and honour the fallen."
Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, said:
“As the newly elected Mayor of Weymouth, it gives me great sense of pride to see all the events that have been lined up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Weymouth played such a vital role in the historic Normandy landings. Remembering the efforts of the allied troops is important, as this operation changed the course of history.”
Cllr Sheila Miles, Mayor of Portland, said:
“On 6th June 1944, thousands of American troops departed from Portland Harbour. Together with British and Allied forces, D-Day resulted in the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. It is fitting that we commemorate this important, historical event.”