Events in the UK
Do you know of any veterans who would like to take part?
The Ministry of Defence and its partners are still interested in hearing from Normandy Campaign veterans who may like to attend the main UK-based commemoration attended by The King and Queen and accompanied by The Prince of Wales.
Veterans are invited to the National Commemorative Event in Portsmouth on 5 June, attended by His Majesty The King. Southsea Common will host a 90-minute event that will be broadcast live on BBC One, with the production telling the story leading up to D-Day. The event will recognise the valuable work that took place on the home front, our Allies, and of course the men and women who take part in the Normandy landings.
There will be a series of musical performances, acts, and readings all done by famous faces old and new. The famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and The Red Arrows will also be making an appearance.
We would be delighted to welcome any D-Day Veteran who would like to attend. The invite also extends to close family members who wish to share this day together and a carer should one be required. Accessible seats are available and accessible transport from the parking area to the site will also be available should it be required.
If you would like to know more, please email:
People-DSSec-DDay80Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
5 June
The UK national event
Portsmouth will host a major national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Thousands of members of the public will be invited to join D-Day veterans, Armed Forces personnel and VIP guests at a ticketed event on Southsea Common.
D-Day veterans will be at the heart of the event, which will also feature military musicians, a Royal Air Force flypast and moving tributes from special guests.
The event will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK for those unable to attend in person.
Getting to and around Portsmouth on the day
People with tickets to the events are advised that the best way to travel to Portsmouth will be by train. The main station is Portsmouth & Southsea Station, and a free shuttle bus will be in place between the station and the event. The event bus stop is a short walk to the designated audience entrance of the event site, which will be clearly signposted. You can plan your journey to and from the event using the National Rail Enquiries website. Alternatively, you can walk from Portsmouth Harbour Station – this will take around 30 minutes and volunteers along the route will direct you.
If you are driving to the event, please use the Park and Ride that is conveniently located on the M275, Junction 1, and has buses departing every 15 minutes to and from the event. There is limited parking near the seafront and no event parking except for ticket holders with blue badges.
If you live locally, please consider catching the bus, cycling, or walking to and from the event if possible. Whichever way you travel, plan your journey and allow extra time when travelling to and from the event as Portsmouth is expected to be busy.
Planning journeys during D-Day 80 from Portsmouth City Council.
Latest road closure Information from Portsmouth City Council.
6 June
D-Day 80 remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum
On 06 June at 2pm the Royal British Legion will host a Remembrance Service to mark 80 years since D-Day within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum. The Arboretum will be open as normal on 6 June, and all visitors are welcome to watch the D-Day 80 Service of Remembrance within the grounds.
Alongside the service, the Royal British Legion will be welcoming eligible veterans and their families into a hosted event area.
