West Suffolk to commemorate D-Day 80th anniversary with beacon lighting ceremony

West Suffolk to commemorate D-Day 80th anniversary with beacon lighting ceremony

24 May 2024

There will be a special beacon lighting ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces who landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944. The event will take place on Thursday 6 June 2024 in the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds.

This important event will feature the lighting of the beacon, symbolizing the light of freedom and the enduring spirit of the soldiers who fought to liberate Europe. The event will also include music as well as remarks from representatives of the Royal British Legion and Cllr Pat Hanlon, the Chair of West Suffolk Council.

The gates to the area of the gardens East of the River Lark (Eastgate Street, opposite the Fox Inn) will be opened at 8.00pm, with the beacon being lit at 9.15pm.

Cllr Pat Hanlon, Chair of West Suffolk Council, said: "By lighting the beacon on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we will be remembering the courage, dedication and sacrifice of those who served during this pivotal moment in history. Veterans, their families, and community members are all invited to join us in commemorating those whose sacrifice enables us all to enjoy the peace and freedom we have today."

The event is free and open to the public with no booking required.

The beacon lighting event is promoted by West Suffolk Parks and sponsored by Bury St Edmunds Town Council.