D-Day Anniversary Events 2021

D-Day: 77th Anniversary

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D-Day 77th Anniversary

Compiled by DDAY.CENTER, the most comprehensive list of events to remember D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

Welcome to DDAY.CENTER's dedicated website for events being held to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Whilst most events take place in France, some remembrance services and other events also occur in the UK, United States and Canada. Each year, thousands of people descend on the French region of Normandy to pay homage to the soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part in D-Day, Operation Overlord and the Battle of Normandy. Veterans and their families, political figures, re-enactors, military vehicle enthusiasts and thousands of other men, women and children pay tribute to the those who fought to liberate Europe, and to remember those who never returned.

Of course, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 saw the 76th Anniversary marked in a very different way. With public gatherings cancelled, ceremonies, if held at all, were small affairs with just a handful of guests and dignitaries laying wreaths. As with everything else in 2020, remembering the events of 1944 moved online. One of the best events was organised by historian and battlefield guide Paul Woodadge through his WW2TV YouTube channel. With roving reporters and a host of guests, Paul streamed live for around 15 hours. Sadly, the last few hours of the stream failed to archive, but the first 12 hours are still available and well worth watching.

The organisers of D-Day events include local authorities, museums, private clubs and larger organisations. There is no single official listing encompassing all commemorations. Several years ago, we decided to compile our own guide using numerous publicly available sources with the intention of providing our visitors with as comprehensive a resource as possible.

As the information provided here is based on third-party sources we regret that we cannot be held responsible for cancelled events or incorrect details. Wherever possible we try to include the contact details for the organisations responsible for arranging each event. As new events are confirmed we will add the details to this site, so if you know of a #DDAY77 event taking place that we've not listed here then please get in touch and let us know.

Please remember, we are not affiliated with any of the organisations mentioned here, nor do we take part in organising any events directly. We are not able to help you get press accreditation or provide any assistance for taking part in an event. The information provided on this site is for reference only.

The D-Day Anniversary Events website you are currently viewing is a companion for our main D-Day Center website at www.dday.center. There you will find much more information on the history of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, along with details about some of the people and technology involved. We also have a glossary, some facts and figures and a detailed timeline of events.

You will also find practical information on how to get to Normandy, details on all of the cemeteries and museums, as well as a few of our favourite places to stay and to eat, plus much more. The website has been around since 2014, but we have been visiting Normandy for many years and attending the annual D-Day Anniversary commemorations in Normandy for over 15 years.

Types of Events

Remembering the events of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy can come in all shapes and sizes.

Remembrance

There are numerous ceremonies organised, both large and small, many with open access for the public.

Education

Various organisation and communities organise events to educate both the young and old on the events of 1944.

Living History

See the many re-enactors in uniform, reconstructions of military camps and many hundreds of restored vehicles.

Concerts

From military bands and bagpipes, to jazz and swing bands, there will always be something for everyone.

Fireworks

Witness some of the most spectacular pyrotechnic displays in the skies above sites of historic importance.

Sporting Events

For the healthy and energetic there a numerous events, from guided walks to races and cycling challenges.

Events in 2021 for the 77th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

We're taking a different approach to the way in which we present the D-Day event details to you. Instead of separate sections for each month we have adopted a single, searchable data table. Our aim is to give visitors an easier way of finding events which may be of interest to them. All the data fields can be searched - helping visitors to filter events for specific days, at specific locations or simply using key words such as fireworks or parade. To ensure events are listed chronologically please be aware that we have adopted the American-style date format of year, month and then day (for example, to view only the events planned for 6th June 2021 simply enter 21-06-06 in the search box).

At this early stage there are, of course, very few event details confirmed. More events will be added as their details are announced.

Date	Country	Location	Title	Description
Date	Country	Location	Title	Description
21-06-05	France	Bénouville, Calvados	Ceremony	Time TBA. Ceremony at the bust of Major John Howard, close to where the Pegasus Bridge gliders landed.
21-06-06	France	Arromanches, Calvados	Fireworks	Time TBA. Music and fireworks.
21-06-06	France	Bayeux, Calvados	Church Service	Time TBA. Church service at Bayeux Cathedral, organised by the Royal British Legion.
21-06-06	France	Bayeux, Calvados	Official British Ceremony	Time TBA. Ceremony of remembrance at the British Commonwealth War Cemetery in Bayeux.
21-06-12	UK	Southwick, Hampshire	Southwick Revival	Times TBA. D-Day event with living history, re-enactors, vintage vehicles, live music and much more. For more information visit www.southwickrevival.co.uk.
21-06-13	UK	Southwick, Hampshire	Southwick Revival	Times TBA. D-Day event with living history, re-enactors, vintage vehicles, live music and much more. For more information visit www.southwickrevival.co.uk.

Spotlight: The Normandy Memorial Trust

The Normandy Memorial Trust was created in 2016 to bring to fruition the desire to have a British Normandy Memorial, honouring all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Normandy. In 2019 work began on the site and a stunning sculpture was unveiled on 6th June by then Prime Minister Theresa May. Work on the site has continued and in September 2020 the official opening was due to take place. Of course, due to Covid-19, this didn't happen and currently the Trust is anticipating this will now take place in the spring or early summer of 2021.

The core memorial has been financed by the British government with £20m from the LIBOR fund, but the project still needs to develop educational and other facilities. The memorial stands on ground at Ver-sur-Mer overlooking Gold Beach and will record the names of all those under British command who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy. In order to help fund the remaining components of British Normandy Memorial, Trust are also seeking donations from the public.

Spotlight: Southwick Village D-Day Revival

For 2020, the tiny Hampshire village of Southwick had already decided to take one year off from hosting its annual D-Day Revival weekend at the normal scale. However, even their scaled-down "Spirit of D-Day" evening event could not take place due to the Covid-19 lockdown. We would urge anyone who has never been to the Southwick Village D-Day Revival to give it a try when it returns on 12th and 13th June 2021.

The village will be transformed back to 1944 as the residents put their heart and soul into the spirit of living history. Expect to enjoy aircraft displays, music and sing-alongs, walking history tours, history talks, a period funfair and plenty of wartime vehicles. It's also a great way of getting to visit the famous D-Day Map Room at Southwick House. As the Map Room is on Government property advanced registration is required, so be sure to sign up to their email newsletter for the latest information.

The 2019 event for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day raised over £50,000 which was divided between several different charities.

Spotlight: D-Day Conneaut

Each year on the shores of Lake Erie in the United States, the World's largest Second World War re-enactment/living history event takes place in Conneaut, Ohio. The D-Day Conneaut event is free to the public and includes living history displays, mock battles, vintage aircraft, an LCVP "Higgins Boat" and 1940's "USO-style" musical entertainment. The organisers are keen to involve the real heroes of the Second World War, and take pride in hosting many veterans.

Since 1999 this event has been developing and expanding, and in normal years would feature some 1,500 re-enactors from across the US and Canada. In May 2020, however, the organisers conceded they would be unable to host the event in the usual format due to the ongoing pandemic. Instead, they announced a series of smaller events and activities, respectful of social distancing and other restrictions, which would also be made available online for those unable or unwilling to attend in person.

Keep an eye on their website for more details.