D-DAY 75 FIREWORKS

WHAT: D-DAY 75
WHY: 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF DD LANDINGS IN 1944
WHEN: 5TH – 9TH JUNE 2019 (fireworks on Saturday 8th June at 10pm)
WHERE: GUNWHARF QUAY, PORTSMOUTH
COST: FREE

2019 marks the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy; essentially the turning point in WW2.

The site of the event is Gunwharf Quays which was the site of HMS Vernon, a land-based establishment used by the Navy going back to the late 19^th century.

On 6^th June 1944, Operation Overlord got under way. It was the biggest amphibious invasion that history had ever known resulting in the German forces being comprehensively beaten. The allied forces had 5000 water-craft ranging from small pleasure and fishing craft to huge new attack vessels all of which were in the English Channel all making their way to strategic parts of the Normandy coastline. However, it was determined later that had Hitler not told his troops to never surrender any of the ground gained, he may never have been beaten. The result was of course a win for the Allied forces and huge loss of life for both sides. France was liberated and this was the beginning of the end for Hitler and his troops.

This celebration event has lots to see and do and includes FIREWORKS which will be set off over the water following the Sunset Concert for Heroes behind the War Memorial. There will also be the chance to hear the haunting sound of the Portsmouth Military Wives choir, the D-Day Darlings who are a wartime choir all with links to the military who featured on the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent final who sing a selection of wartime favourite tunes and the Royal Marine’s Association Concert Band.

Its free and informative as well as being a celebration of the lives lost during the Second World War. Get along and show your support.