RINGWOOD will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings next month with a series of special events.
On June 6 itself, The Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul will ring out their bells for peace at 6.30pm, and a beacon will be lit in the war memorial gardens at 9.15pm.
The Government directive suggests that all town councils should have their own beacon, which will light up across the British Isles and Commonwealth at 9.15pm on June 6.
New Forest Metalworks has commissioned the sustainable Ringwood beacon so that it can be used again for future events.
A service will be held in the church graveyard at 10.30am for Normandy veterans, and at midday for all other attendees.
A commemorative flag will be raised at 9am in Gateway Square and will stay on display for a week afterwards.
Fish and chip shops are also being invited to celebrate the landmark anniversary, as National Fish and Chip day is brought forwards from its Friday home to celebrate the nation's favourite wartime dish.
Greyfryers will open its doors from 7pm, and visitors are invited to buy fish and chips from their store to bring to the gardens where the beacon will be lit.
Ringwood Town Mayor, Cllr Gareth Deboos has been encouraging local businesses and community players to take part.
He said: “These meaningful activities will honour the legacy of the incredible bravery of those who served on D-Day.”
Cllr Rae Frederick, who chairs arrangements for events like those held on D-Day, encouraged everybody to come along with their friends and family.
She said: “I am proud to be part of the events committee and that we can come together to remember those who died so we could be free.”
Ringwood Town Council is hoping for a large turnout because of the most recent event of its kind, the Jubilee celebrations in 2022, where attendance was high.
Among the commemorations will be a D-Day discovery bus on June 1, which presents an interactive museum for children and adults alike.
A D-Day exhibition can also be found at Ringwood Meeting House from May 31 to June 2 between 10am and midday.
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