Glastonbury is set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a full schedule of events planned throughout the day on June 6th, 2024.

The town will pay tribute to the historic event with activities designed to engage all ages and honour the memory of those who served.

The day will begin at 08:00 at the Market Cross, where Glastonbury Town Crier David Greenway will announce the 'D-Day 80 Proclamation'. This solemn declaration will be accompanied by the sounds of Glastonbury's Civic Bagpiper Craig MacFarlane, setting a reverent tone for the day's proceedings.

At 09:00, the Mayor of Glastonbury, alongside local faith leaders, will lead 'Prayers for Peace' at the Town Hall, which will fly the D-Day 80 Flag in a gesture of remembrance and respect.

Children from Glastonbury's schools will participate at 11:00, reading a poem by Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer – Herald of the Royal Hospital. The poem, crafted specifically for this anniversary, will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during D-Day.

Philip Beckinsale, Acting Pilot Officer of No: 914 (Glastonbury & Street) Squadron, will host a 'Model Aircraft Display' from 11:30 to 18:00 in St. John's Church. The display will feature models of aircraft involved in D-Day and dioramas of historical military significance, including V1 & V2 rocket launch sites.

The day's events will continue at 16:30 with the 'National Fish and Chip Day Extravaganza' in the Market Place, where locals can enjoy this British staple along with veterans. Ted Allen, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, will deliver a commemorative address, and Glastonbury Brass will provide 1940s musical accompaniment.

At 18:30, the bell-ringers of St John's Church will participate in 'Ringing Out for Peace', a nationwide bell-ringing event to mark the anniversary.

The commemorative activities will culminate at 21:00 with the 'Beacon Lighting at the Tor'. Prebendary

David MacGeoch, Vicar of Glastonbury, will light the D-Day 80 Beacon on the summit of Glastonbury Tor at 9:15 pm, following a formal tribute by Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.