Buildings in Chester and Ellesmere Port are going to be lit in red, white and blue next week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings.

The landmark anniversary, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the five beaches in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944, will also see special services taking place.

Buildings in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Winsford will also be illuminated red, white and blue between June 3-10.

The Lord Mayor of Chester will be lighting a beacon as part of the D-Day commemorations on June 6 at Chester Town Hall square starting at 9pm.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE, Matt Baker, Chester's Town Crier, City of Chester Brass Band, and Chester Male Voice Choir are among the special guests leading the commemoration. The beacon will be lit from a torch carried by Chester Roman Tours Soldiers.

Order of commemoration in Chester:

  • 9pm: The Lord Mayor is joined on the Town Hall Steps by The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire and the Chairman of the Council.
  • 9pm: Welcome by Matt Baker and the City of Chester Brass band
  • 9.04pm: Welcome by the Lord Mayor
  • 9.05pm: Sheila Callaghan sings “We’ll meet again.”
  • 9.08pm: Chester Town Crier proclamation
  • 9.10pm: Piper plays “Highland Laddie”
  • 9.15pm: Chester Roman Soldier torch bearers arrive, and beacon is lit by the Lord Mayor and Lord-Lieutenant
  • 9.20pm: Chester Male Voice Choir: “Bring Him Home” and “Tell My Father” Lucy Thatcher: “It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow” and “White Cliffs of Dover”
  • 10pm: Blessing from Chester Cathedral followed by National Anthem by the City of Chester Brass Band

Closing the commemoration, the bagpiper will lead the Lord Mayor and dignitaries to St Peter’s Church.

There will also be a D-Day Commemoration taking place in Ellesmere Port on June 6, with a wreath laying event by the Normandy Veterans Wirral and Chester at the Normandy Stone, Stanney Lane, at noon.

D-Day 80 has developed several ways for communities to take part in this special occasion, including:

  • Beacons: Lighting a Beacon at 9.15pm on 6 June
  • Lamp Light of Peace: Lighting a lamp at 9.15pm on 6 June.
  • Ringing out for peace: The D-Day 80 campaign is encouraging every Cathedral and Church throughout the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to ring their bells at 6.30pm on June 6.

Further details are available at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/leisure-parks-and-events/d-day-80-commemorating-the-80th-anniversary-of-the-d-day-landings