Revealed – Various D-Day 80 events across Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester

With three weeks to go until the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, more details have been announced about commemorative events planned across Weymouth, Portland, and Dorchester.

Weymouth Town Council, Portland Town Council, Dorchester Town Council, Weymouth Museum, the Castletown D-Day Centre in Portland, The Nothe Fort and other partners are working together to bring you a packed programme of events, both in the run up to D-Day 80, on June 6^th itself, and into the weekends of June 8^th and June 22^nd.

From musical performances to boat tours, exhibitions, immersive theatre performances to beacon lightings and talks bringing the history to life; timetables confirming everything planned across the three towns so far were revealed today. Visit D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations – Weymouth Town Council | Weymouth Town Council to view the timetables.

In a joint statement, partners said: “The roles that our three towns played in D-Day, the largest naval, air and land operation in history will never be forgotten. Weymouth and Portland harbours were key embarkation points for the Normandy landings. And with so many American GIs swelling the population of Dorchester and the surrounding villages during these preparations, it’s fitting that we should come together 80 years’ later to commemorate the Allied troops and honour the fallen.

“Be sure to join us at one of the many events planned for D-Day 80 in Dorset, with more details still to be announced! Please keep an eye on our social media pages to keep up to date with everything that’s happening.”

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, said: “As the newly elected Mayor of Weymouth, it gives me great sense of pride to see all the events that have been lined up to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. Weymouth played such a vital role in the historic Normandy landings. Remembering the efforts of the allied troops is important, as this operation changed the course of history.”

Cllr Sheila Miles, Mayor of Portland, added: “On 6^th June 1944, thousands of American troops departed from Portland Harbour. Together with British and Allied forces, D-Day resulted in the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. It is fitting that we commemorate this important, historical event.”

Details still to be confirmed include a bid for a Battle of Britain flypast which if successful will be visible across the Isle of Portland and then Weymouth Bay. Timings to be announced, subject to national commitments and is weather dependent. 

For more details on the Nothe Fort exhibition, visit the website.

For more details on Dorchester Town Council’s events, visit the website.

ENDS 

Notes to Editors

The latest information and updates will be shared on Weymouth Town Council’s website, Facebook, and X pages.

Photo credit to Weymouth Museum