The UK is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy with a series of major events across the British.

Falmouth has a full day of commemorative opportunities planned on Thursday, June 6, starting with a small service in Kimberley Park, followed by an impressive flotilla travelling down the Carrick Roads, before finishing with the lighting of their beacon in celebration of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war.

The day will begin with a wreath laying service in Kimberley Park. Commencing at 11:00, two wreaths will be laid – one by the Town Mayor of Falmouth and one by a military representative.

Then in the afternoon, Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth Harbour, and the Port of Truro are coordinating up to 80 boats in a flotilla event that aims to commemorate the largest seaborne invasion in history and honours the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied Forces troops.

Many Allied Forces troops were stationed in and around Falmouth during World War II and the flotilla will travel past some of these locations along the River Fal. The flotilla event is open to all local boat owners.

The fleet of vessels will leave from the area adjacent to Tolverne, North of the King Harry ferry, at 3pm and make their way down the channel of the Carrick Roads, before ending near Gyllyngvase Beach (weather permitting).

Starting at 9.15pm on June 6, communities across the country will be connected through the lighting of beacons. Falmouth will be lighting its own beacon in the appropriately named Beacon area of the town. A small event will then follow this, with performances from a piper and local artists.

“It’s important for Falmouth to mark the occasion, and in true spirit of the sea, the marine community is coming together to commemorate the 80th D-Day anniversary on the water” said Kirstie Edwards, Town Mayor of Falmouth.

“This event is a testament to the strong working partnership between the Town Team, Falmouth Harbour, and the Port of Truro, and is a visually impactful way of honouring the bravery and sacrifice made 80 years ago.”