D-Day 80th Anniversary

Battle of Normandy Commemorations

In June 2024, Normandy will commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

This famous Second World War battle and turning point is commemorated every year in Normandy, but this year for the 80th anniversary will make it a very special celebration. And with Siblu holiday park Domaine de Litteau located near Caen in Normandy, this is a great place to use as a comfortable base to join in these remembrances. 

Stay at Siblu holiday park Domaine de LItteau

If you'd like experience Normandy during this momentous occasion, there is still accommodation available at our holiday park in Normandy which is around 35 minutes from Omaha Beach and within easy reach of many of the region's most iconic D-Day attractions.

Looking to explore more of Normandy? You can read more about Best Attractions to Visit in Normandy with the Family here. 

D-Day history brought to life

The history of D-Day is fascinating for people of any age, from school children to adults. With 94 memorial sites and places to visit, 44 museums, 21 memorials and natural sites and 29 cemeteries, this places a key part for visits to Normandy. You can more about the Best Museums to Visit in Normandy here. 

The 80th Anniversary

There is always a full programme of events during the D-Day Festival and 2024 will be no exception. Events take place along the entire coastline of Normandy, from Pegasus Bridge to Sainte-Mère-Eglise, including Ouistreham, Arromanches, Pointe du Hoc, and of course the five iconic stretches of beach that include Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach and Sword Beach. 

There will be over 100 events during June, including historical re-enactments, exhibitions and projections. Children will love the huge firework displays at the major D-Day sites, plus you can join the giant picnic on Omaha Beach and watch the bagpipe parades. Perhaps the most exciting display will be the parachuting of hundreds of soldiers above Sainte-Mère-Église. 

Free family celebration confirmed for 1 June

 Normandy is honouring the memory of the D-Day landings with a major family-friendly event across the region on 1 June.   More than 20 huge firework displays will light up the sky over the famous landing beaches, in this free event that will be an amazing sight for couple or families holidaying in Normandy at this time.

New works of art

A total of 1,475 silhouettes by ‘Standing with Giants’ will appear in Spring 2024 at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, representing the number of deaths under British command on 6 June 1944. Standing with Giants is a community project, set up in 2019 by Oxfordshire community artist, Dan Barton, and a group of local volunteers. 

A brief history of the D-Day landings

On 6th June 1944, the United Kingdom, the United States and their allies launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France. This ‘D-Day’ was a decisive turning point in the Second World War, which led to the liberation of France and the rest of Europe from Nazi occupation. 

It was the largest amphibious invasion the world had ever witnessed, with over 5,000 ships and landing craft setting down more than 130,000 troops on five Normandy beaches.

By the end of the day the allies had established a foothold along the French coast, where they were able then to advance to northwest Europe, finally achieving victory over the Nazis a year later.

Find out more from the Normandy tourism website here.

The D-Day 80 Proclamation 8am - 6th June 2024

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary
of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France -
an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand
Allied troops had successfully stormed
the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.
In the weeks that followed,
the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy
to the liberation of Paris two months later.
We should all remember and never forget
the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute
to those who gave so much to secure the freedom
we all enjoy today.
God Save the King

Christian Ashdown
Ex Household Cavalry