CROWDS gathered to mark the official anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of poignant events in Wellington.

Yesterday (Thursday, June 6) was the official anniversary marking 80 years since troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in Northern France.

Wellington’s Town Crier Andrew Norris made the D-Day 80 Proclamation at 10am in the town centre and in the evening, Wellington Town Council were joined by communities from across the country for the lighting of a beacon at 9.15pm in Wellington Park.

This beacon represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. Prior to the beacon lighting, Wellington Silver Band played 1940’s music between 7.30pm and 8.30pm and members of the public were invited to bring a picnic or purchase burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream from Crosses Food which was also in attendance.

The Royal British Legion’s Wellington Branch will also be hosting a commemoration service at the war memorial in Wellington Park, from 10.50am until 11.30am in Wellington Park. This short service is open to everyone who wishes to join representatives in solemn remembrance.

Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer)
Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer) (Wellington has marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a series of events (Alain Lockyer))