D-Day 80: 'Stunning' light show plan for Portsmouth commemoration

Portsmouth hosted a major D-Day commemoration for the 75th anniversary in 2019

A "stunning" light show will be the "moving climax" of this year's televised D-Day commemoration in Portsmouth, the government has said.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will lead the event on Southsea Common on 5 June.

It will involve more than 500 military personnel, a 79-piece orchestra and "powerful testimonies" from veterans, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) added.

The Red Arrows are also due to appear at the event, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

The Red Arrows are due to fly over Portsmouth for the 80th anniversary event

Announcing further details of commemorations in the UK and France, the MoD said Mr Sunak and the Red Arrows would also attend the UK's national event in Normandy on 6 June.

Hosted by the Royal British Legion and the MoD, the event at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer will also include a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Commemorations in France will also involve contributions from Royal Navy ships and the British Army's Red Devils parachute display team, the MoD said.

The D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied nations in the largest amphibious invasion in military history and began the process of ending World War Two in Europe.

Allied troops began landing in Normandy on 6 June 1944

Portsmouth will also host an evening event on 5 June - A Tribute to the Fallen - that will include live music performances and a broadcast from Bayeux War Cemetery in France.

Other free events taking place in the city include the traditional commemoration service at the D-Day Memorial Stone near Southsea Seafront on 6 June.

Portsmouth Armed Forces Day takes place on 8 June on Southsea Common.

In 2019, the 75th anniversary of D-Day saw a gathering of world leaders on the common, including Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump.

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