D-Day 2024: Events in Sheffield to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings

Thursday, June 6 marks eight decades since the largest military operation in history, which ultimately liberated north-west Europe from German control.

Operation Overlord, launched on D-Day, 1944, marked a major turning point in the war for Western Allies. Tens of thousands of British, American, and Canadian soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy - and thousands were also killed.

Each year, D-Day is marked in the UK and France to remember the soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice that ultimately secured Allied success in the war.

Watch now on Shots! Inside Bomber Command - a special documentary brought to you by The Star

Sheffield events

To commemorate the historic day in Sheffield, an event is set to take place at Barker’s Pool Cenotaph, outside Sheffield City Hall on June 6.

It is scheduled to start at 10.30am and will see deputy lord mayor councillor Safiya Saeed joined by veterans, service personnel and cadets for prayer, and a moment of silence. Wreath laying will also honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and those who gave their lives for our country.

Ecclesfield Parish Council is also inviting everyone to Ecclesfield Park between 5.30pm and 9.30pm to mark the anniversary. The event will see local musicians, brass bands, a parade of forces cadets, and activities for children, including free rides and face painting.

Fundraiser

Jim Morton, from Penistone, whose father was serving in the Royal Navy on D-Day, is also set to finish his 100 mile walk of the five landing beaches of Normandy. He will finish on June 6 at Sword Beach.

Speaking to our sister paper, the Barnsley Chronicle, the 63-year-old said he is hoping to raise £10,000 for the Ghurka Welfare Trust which provides aid to Ghurka veterans, their families and communities. This will bring his total amount raised for the charity to £50,000, after previously walking the coast-to-coast.

You can donate to his JustGiving page by clicking here. 

Live broadcast

Alternatively, you can also tune into BBC One and BBC iPlayer from the comfort of your home to watch the National Commemoration. The BBC will be at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer for the event, organised by the Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence.

D-Day 80: We Will Remember Them on BBC One and BBC iPlayer can be watched from 8.30am on Thursday, June 6.