About
‘D-Day 80’ marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a pivotal moment in history. The bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in this operation impacted the course of the Second World War.
A programme of events will take place to mark this significant milestone - providing local groups with an opportunity to bring communities together to remember and commemorate an important part of our shared history.
D-Day 80 Commemorations, Programme of Events:
Town Crier, 8am
Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, Lisburn
A Town Crier will read the D-Day 80 Proclamation.
D-Day 80 flag raising, 9am
Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn
The Nation will come together to raise the Official D-Day 80 ‘Flag of Peace’ and start a day of commemorations on this the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Worldwide.
Wreath laying, 10am
Lisburn War Memorial
D-Day exhibition
The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
A D-Day exhibition with a local theme and a focus on the local people who fought on the Normandy beaches.
Historical footage screening, 10.30am - 7pm
Pathé archive footage from WWII will be shown on big screens in the city centre throughout the day.
Tea dance, 2-4pm
Market Square, Lisburn
A 1940s-themed tea dance will take you back to the war years with a reminder of the music and the fashions that were in vogue.
D-Day 80 Commemorations, 10.30am to 9.15pm
Castle Gardens, Lisburn
A day of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place in Castle Gardens from 10.30am concluding with the lighting of the beacon at 9.15pm.
Travelling Museum
Step back in time to WWII through this mini exhibition curated from the Lisburn Museum’s archives.
Vicker’s machine gun and costume rail
Snap a selfie with an original Vicker’s machine gun alongside a background of the Hillsborough Road during WWII. Children can also dress up in replica army uniform.
Investigation workshops
Find out who evacuees were, how much tea you were allowed in a week and what air raid precautions were from the museum’s education team.
Craft workshops
Make your own cardboard gas masks and spitfire plans at one of a variety of craft workshops held throughout the day. Workshops will include cutting and sticking so guardians are encouraged to help little hands while they work and learn.
School days during WWII
Sit on original school benches and practise writing from the Vere Foster workbook under the watchful eye of the schoolteacher. And find out what you have to do when your lesson is interrupted by the gas rattle!
Victory point
Once the children have completed their WWII tasks, they can collect a goody bag containing 2ozs of rationed sweets, stickers and activity sheets.
Sensory tent
Our dark den space is a cosy corner for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed with books and fidget toys provided for your use.
WWII Taster Tour (every hour), 11am to 6pm
Join one of Lisburn Museum’s expert guides in a bite-size taster to learn about the significance of Lisburn’s war memorial and the repurposed blast shelter that remains in place in Castle Gardens.
Church bells ringing out for peace, 6.30pm
As part of D-Day 80 commemorations churches from around the Lisburn and Castlereagh area will join together in ringing out for peace.
Beacon lighting ceremony, 7pm
Castle Gardens bowling green will host a range of entertainment from The Band of the Royal Irish and a range of local schools and groups.
After a reading of The International Tribute, we’ll then join towns, villages, cities and organisations across the world to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon at 9.15pm.
