Residents are being invited to join veterans, councillors and services organisations to mark the 81st anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

Tendring District Council (TDC) and the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion will host a moving service of remembrance to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, the start of the Allied liberation of Nazi-occupied France.

The poignant service will take place at Clacton War Memorial, located in the Memorial Gardens on Marine Parade West, on Friday, 6 June 2025 at 11am.

Led by Reverend David Lower, the commemoration will include a reading by Councillor Bill Davidson, Chairman of Tendring District Council, and will bring together veterans, armed forces representatives, standard bearers, and members of the public in a shared act of remembrance.

“Eighty-one years ago, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in a courageous operation that marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War in Europe,” said Councillor Davidson.

“This service is a chance for us all to pause, reflect, and honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom.

“With parts of Europe again facing conflict, it is more important than ever to remember the lessons of history and the cost of peace.

“I encourage everyone to attend and show their support.”

Following the service, this year’s commemorations will continue with a special performance at Clacton’s Princes Theatre.

On Tuesday, 10 June at 2pm, the theatre will host Neil Sands’ ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ — a nostalgic and patriotic musical tribute featuring beloved songs from the 1940s through to the 1960s.

The show has been specially produced to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Tickets for the show are available now at princestheatre.co.uk.

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