Events in Bristol marking 80 years since D-Day today

The 80th anniversary of D-Day is marked in the West Country today (Thursday 6 June) as we remember those who fought in what was the largest seaborne invasion in history on 6 June 1944. Along with the Airmen, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and Western Europe in World War II.

While many poignant events and commemorative services will take place in Normandy itself on June 5 and 6, here in the UK, Britons will remember this momentous occasion in their own way. And here in and around Bristol there’s a program of lighthouse lightings, memorial concerts and exhibitions to take part in.

You can find out more about the national and international events taking place to remember the D-Day Generation on this milestone anniversary via the Royal British Legion website here. Or keep scrolling to find more local events listed below…

Read more: Bristol’s role on D-Day 80 years ago was ‘different but vital’

Read more: Bristol D-Day hero recalls being thrown from ship in explosion that killed 31

Lighthouse lighting events and concerts

Commemoration ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Almondsbury (BS32 4DT) – St Mary’s Church in Almondsbury will hold a memorial service at 8.30pm, followed by a torchlight procession starting at 8.45pm and then a beacon will be lit on Almondsbury Hill at 9pm: 15. Those in attendance can expect The Last Post to be played, with music from Severn Whalers.

Lighthouse lighting ceremony at The Jubilee Center in Bradley Stoke (BS32 8HL) – A short lighthouse lighting ceremony will be held by Bradley Stoke City Council at 9.15pm. The International Tribute will also be read.

Lighting a lamp of peace at Yate Memorial Gardens (BS37 8SY) – Doddington Parish Council will light a peace lamp at 9.15pm following The Last Post which will be played at around 8.30pm. There will also be a reading of the International Tribute and a two-minute silence – all taking place at The Memorial Garden (QEII Playing Fields).

Lighthouse lighting at Tylers Field in Yate – After music and entertainment at 7pm, the Tylers Field Lighthouse will be lit around 9.15pm to mark the occasion.

An International Tribute Celebration at Doynton Mill Field – Doynton Parish Council will celebrate the International Tribute from 6.15pm, with hot food for sale from 6.30pm and a beacon lighting at 9.15pm. You can find out more and get tickets here.

Lighthouse lighting and performances at Centenary Fields in Frampton Cotterell – Frampton Parish Council will host a series of performances and events from 7.45pm-9.15pm, with activities including a war song performance by the Crossbow Singers at 8.30pm, an Air Cadet exercise at 8pm: 45 and the lighting of a beacon and declaration with a piper at 9.15 p.m.

Beacon lighting and live music on the Bristol Jets Patchway BMX track (BS34 5JT) – Patchway Town Council is hosting live music, food and drink, local stalls and a military vehicle and weapons display from 6pm-9.15pm, with a lighthouse lighting also taking place.

Siston Hill Beacon Illuminated – Reverend Rosemary will lead a service before the beacon is lit at 9.15pm at Siston Hill. The event will also feature a 1940s quartet and piper.

Lighting of the Peace Lamps at Whitchurch and other celebrations – Whitchurch Borough Council will invite residents to attend a special D-Day service outside the Town Hall at 11am. Children from Whitchurch Primary School will read the poem ‘D-Day Heroes’ and this will be followed by refreshments indoors at around 11.20am.

Then at 6.30pm the bell ringers of All Hallows Church join in Ringing Out for Peace, with the Peace Lamps being lit in the Town Hall, All Hallows Church and the Methodist Church at 9.15pm on Thursday evening.

1940s concert at Trinity Academy, Lockleaze (BS7 9BY) – From 7pm on Saturday 8th June, Filton Concert Brass Band will conduct a commemorative concert, with performances by South Gloucestershire Good Afternoon Choir and The Filtones Community Choir. There will be a raffle and refreshments available on the day and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Trade

D-Day Exhibition at the Whirlpool Factory in Yate – The Yate Heritage Center will mark 83 years since the bombing of the Parnall Aircraft Factory as part of the D-Day 80 commemoration. This new exhibition, running on June 8 (10am-1pm), will visitors the opportunity to visit a bunker of the First Aid Station used during the Second World War.

D-Day Exhibition at the Weston Museum in Weston-super-Mare (BS23 1PR) – In honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, this exhibition illustrates the impact that the years 1939-1945 had on Weston-super-Mare. Curated by John Crockford-Hawley, ‘Weston’s favorite historian’, the exhibition runs until Saturday 8 June with free entry.

Other ceremonies, services and events

Service of Remembrance at Page Park War Memorial in Staple Hill – Page Park will hold a memorial service with the Army and Staple Hill Rescue Band from noon to 1pm.

80th D-Day Commemoration, Southmead Road (BS10 5DW) – Trymview Hall Care Home will be hosting a D-Day celebration with wartime singers and a 1940s themed tea party. Find out more by calling 01224 042928 or email nicola.wolff-donitz@careuk .com.