Details of a programme to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day have been launched by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC), including a small grants’ fund.
Other council-led, D-Day commemorative events being organised during early June will include a beacon lighting in Lisburn’s Castle Gardens; a military history talk and exhibition on the Normandy Landings in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum; a tea dance; city centre screening and specially themed flowerbeds across the council area.
Councillor Andrew Gowan, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said: “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a pivotal moment in history. As a council we have agreed a series of events to mark this significant milestone. They will give local groups an opportunity to bring communities together to remember and commemorate an important part of our shared history.”
Alderman Hazel Legge, Chair of LCCC’s D-Day Working Group said: “Operation Overlord was launched on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy Landings and this will be an important date to circle in everyone’s calendar in 2024, to ensure you don’t miss any of the key events or happenings. The bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in D-Day impacted the course of the Second World War - and we want to ensure that we mark it with the respect and dignity it deserves.”
Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chair of the council’s Communities and Wellbeing Committee said: “Our ‘D-Day 80’ small grants programme will allow eligible parties to develop a range of activities including art or photographic exhibitions and installations; historical talks and tours; tea dances and film screenings. The closing date for applications is Monday 25th March, with all the grants awarded by the end of April.”
Alderman Owen Gawith, chair of the council’s Corporate Services Committee said: “I’d encourage anyone interested in applying to find more details and the entry criteria on our website. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and social media for the dates and details of all the other aspects of our ‘D-Day 80’ programme.”
For more information on the grants programme click here.
For more information on our full D-Day 80 programme click here.