D-Day events and services are to take place in the Black Country

During World War II, troops from Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the northern coast of France in 1944.

D-Day was the largest naval, air and land operation ever attempted, marking the beginning of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied northwestern Europe.

To commemorate the historic day, commemorative events and services will be held across the region.

Wolverhampton

When: Thursday, June 6, 19:00 – 21:30

Where: Outside the Civic Centre, St. Peter’s Square

Wolverhampton City Council will host a free commemorative event in the square, with speeches, entertainment and live music including a ukulele performance, 1940s singers The Bluebird Belles and a set from the City of Wolverhampton Brass Band to close the event. At 21.15 the lighting of the commemorative lighthouse will begin.

Walsall

Bloxwich

When: Saturday, June 1, 10.55 – 17.00

Where: Bloxwich Cenotaph and All Saints Church, Bloxwich

The Royal British Legion is to hold a D-Day 80th anniversary event with a commemoration at 10.55am at the Bloxwich Cenotaph, followed by a community event from 11am to 5pm with music, games, a children’s costume competition 1940, face painting, a raffle and refreshments.

Darlaston

When: Thursday, June 6, 10.45am

Where: Darlaston War Memorial, Victoria Road, Darlaston

Organized by the Darlaston Poppy Appeal, the service will start at 10.45am and will be attended by councilors and the public. The Mayor of Walsall will lay a memorial wreath.

The street

When: Saturday, June 8, 10.30 – 15.00

Where: Streetly Community Library, Blackwood Road, Streetly

The community library will mark the anniversary with activities such as songs and face painting, with 1940s costumes welcome. There will also be refreshments.

Willenhall

When: Saturday, June 15, starting at 9:00 a.m

Where: The United Kingdom Inn, Bloxwich Road North

Short Heath Lest We Forget CIC is organizing a 10 mile sponsored walk – the ‘Walk to the Bridge’ will be along the canal hook paths and the five routes will represent the five landing beaches of Utah, Omaha, Juno , Gold and Sword. At the finish line there will be a disco, live music, entertainment and a food trailer acting as Cafe Gondree.

The groups have reached their limit of participants – eight people per group, walking 10 miles to commemorate 80 years – but are asking the public to come and cheer them on. They will pass through Brownhills, near Tin Man Island, but start from a range of locations including Ball Lane, Coven, The Mermaid Pub, Wolverhampton and The Nickelodeon, Bentley Bridge, finishing at Pegasus Bridge and The UK pub.

Sandwell

When: Thursday, June 6, 10.45am

Where: Outside Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury

The service, organized by The Royal British Legion and Sandwell Council, will include a flag raising and minute’s silence, with refreshments served afterwards. Participants are asked to be outside the Council House by 10.45am.

Anyone is welcome to proceed to Oldbury British Legion in Windsor Road after the service and refreshments have finished at the Council House.

Dudley

When: Thursday, June 6, 10.45am

Where: The Shell, Shell Corner, Halesowen

There will be a memorial service, officiated by Rev. Mark Danks of St Paul’s. The service starts at 11 o’clock.

Staffordshire

When: Thursday, June 6, 10.45am

Where: National Memorial Arboretum

The Arboretum will be open to the public as usual and visitors are welcome to watch the 80th D-Day Commemoration Service on the premises. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry to the Arboretum is free, but advance booking is recommended to guarantee entry,

To add your Z-Day 80th anniversary event to the list, email [email protected]