Beacon lighting to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day in Oadby & Wigston
Published: Thursday, 18 April 2024
Oadby & Wigston families, community groups and Armed Forces veterans are invited to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day at a special country park event.
On Thursday 6 June, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) will join with communities across the country in lighting a beacon to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day landings.
The council-organised event at Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby will start at 7.45pm and include performances from Wigston Band and Wigston Community Choir in the park’s outdoor amphitheatre before the beacon is lit at 9.15pm.
Space in the amphitheatre will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Attendees are advised to bring a picnic blanket or similar to sit on, and the on-site Jenno’s Coffee House will be staying open late to support the occasion.
The D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 saw Allied Forces invade the beaches of northern France in the largest seaborne invasion in history, beginning the liberation of western Europe and leading towards victory on the Western Front.
Councillor Bill Boulter, Chair of the OWBC Armed Forces Working Group, said “It is very important to us that we mark this occasion with a local event and give people in Oadby & Wigston the opportunity to commemorate D-Day.
“The light from these beacons signifies the ‘light of peace’ which emerged from the darkness of war, and we join with those throughout the country in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for this peace.
“D-Day was one of the most monumental events in our history, and as it moves out of living memory for the majority it is essential that we keep the memory of those who fought and the legacy of the landings alive for future generations.”
There will also be prayers and wreath laying at a short ceremony at Peace Memorial Park, Wigston, at 12pm on 6 June for anyone that would like to pay their respects.