A celebration of our Armed Forces

On Thursday June 6, people across the UK will gather to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy D-Day Landings.

The 1944 landings represented the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with a massive airborne operation, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.

Between 11am – 2pm on June 6, there will be acts of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, followed at 5pm with a Service of Commemoration at Normandy Memorial, Ver-sur-Mer. Then at 6pm there is a Service of Remembrance at St Paul’s Church, Spennymoor.

At 8:15pm Spennymoor Town Band will play in Jubilee Park, followed at 9pm by a short speech from the Town Mayor and at 9.15pm by the lighting of the Jubilee Park Beacon as part of the national event that will see similar beacons lit across the country.

Spennymoor Town Council Chief Officer, Ian Morris, said: “As a town, we’re very proud to be able to play a role in marking the anniversary of this historic moment. Spennymoor has many current and former servicemen and women, not to mention many people with friends and families who have served, so I’m sure these events will be of particular significance to them.”

Then on Saturday June 22, the Town Council will mark Armed Forces Day, recognising and celebrating our servicemen and women with a free family fun day in Jubilee Park.

The event starts with the traditional Drumhead Service in the Bandstand at 11am, followed by a range of activities and entertainment in the park from 12pm-3.30pm. Highlights include a funfair, climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, and a range of displays in the arena including “The Imps” motorcycle display team, BMX stunt display and falconry demonstration.

There will also be a range of stalls and catering options, as well as other things to see and do – fun for all the family!

For more information about either D-Day 80th or Armed Forces Day events please contact Spennymoor Town Council on 01388 815276 or info@spennymoor-tc.gov.uk