Bournemouth, Christchurch, Culture, Events & Entertainment, Poole | Posted on May 30th, 2024 | return to news
D-Day commemorations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
The three towns are marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with events across the BCP area next week.
The BCP area played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings and to mark the 80th anniversary on 6 June, a number of events are planned across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
In the months leading up 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 whilst visiting troops were stationed nearby.
Christchurch was also significant in the war efforts, with the United States Army Air Forces Ninth Air Force establishing a base there in 1944.
In Poole, local companies were instrumental in supplying boats and associated materials needed for the D-Day war efforts, and the town was the third largest embarkation point for the Normandy landings with thousands of troops setting sail from the harbour, bound for the beaches of Normandy on 5 June 1944.
Bournemouth and Poole’s Charter Trustees are working with BCP Council to honour local efforts with events on Thursday 6 June in Bournemouth and Poole, while a further event will be held in Bournemouth on Saturday 8 June to mark the momentous occasion.
Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, BCP Council said: “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.”
Christchurch Town Council is planning an event at Christchurch Quay in the evening of 6 June.
Bournemouth
Thursday 6 June
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 8 June
3pm–8pm – Vintage entertainment in the bandstand in the Lower Gardens
5.30pm–6pm – Procession from Westcliff Gardens to the bandstand
6.15pm–6.25pm – Speech from Cllr George Farquhar, Mayor of Bournemouth and Chaplain
Poole
Thursday 6 June
10.15am–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
6.30pm–8.30pm – Vintage entertainment and poetry reading from local schoolchildren on a stage opposite the Poole Arms. Vintage military vehicles (TBC)
8.30pm–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
From 10am–11.30pm there will be road closure on the Quay
Christchurch
Thursday 6 June
6pm–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
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