The Great Vigil for the D-Day 80th anniversary at Bayeux War Cemetery

Our events and tributes to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day are underway following the arrival Torch of Commemoration in Normandy, carried by D-Day veterans. This was followed by a service of thanksgiving and Bayeux Cathedral and a stunning tribute to the fallen at Bayeux War Cemetery.

Veterans travelled with the torch from Portsmouth and passed it on to young ambassadors, to symbolise the importance of commemoration for the generations to come.

The momentous occasion follows a series of torch events around the UK, launched in London by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier in May, visiting Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, and many others before arriving in Portsmouth on Monday.

Following a procession and service of thanksgiving at Bayeux Cathedral this evening, a tribute to the fallen took place at Bayeux War Cemetery in Normandy, also broadcast live to Southsea Common in Portsmouth, featuring stunning lighting and drone displays. 

As darkness fell, each of the 4,600 headstones of those that fell in Normandy were individually illuminated across Bayeux War Cemetery, creating a poignant scene of remembrance. Lights were also be placed by schoolchildren at key CWGC sites across Normandy.

Our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, alongside current serving military, led a vigil and moment of reflection focusing on the memories of those who fought and honouring those who never made it home. 

The event featured two emotive and poignant performances from Bayeux War Cemetery accompanied by a seventy-two-piece military band and an eight-person choir.

Award-winning poet, author and broadcaster, Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL, read a newly commissioned poem during the evening vigil. Musician Jack Savoretti also performed a beautiful new arrangement of Soldiers Eye’s, and BAFTA-winning Katherine Parkinson gave a reading of a letter from Captain Derek Taylor to the mother of Bombardier Norman Harry Bottoms of the Royal Artillery. 

Bombardier Bottoms died on 6 June 1944, aged 23, and the letter to his mother – that was read from his graveside – speaks of his “humour and zest for life, keenness of mind and generosity of spirit”.

From 9am on 6th June, the CWGC will lead a service of commemoration at Bayeux War Cemetery, a traditional service of remembrance. A ticketed event, guests will include Second World War veteran Jack Hemmings AFC, descendants of those who fought, veterans’ relatives and members of the public. The service will also feature a fly past by the RAF Red Arrows. 

Our Director General, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We have seen some truly beautiful and poignant ceremonies all around the UK and we give our heartfelt thanks to all veterans, schools and young people for playing such an important role at our Torch of Commemoration events.

“It was very moving to be with veterans and their families as they arrived in France, and to witness the significant moment of them sharing our torch with young UK and France ambassadors. 

“We are incredibly humbled and excited to be marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day with these events, which form a perfect and fitting tribute for D-Day veterans and the thousands we commemorate across the region. We truly hope our events will resonate with, inspire and engage people all over the world.”

Mr Sissay said: “I am grateful to be in Bayeux today, with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to share my poem, “As long as light shines”, and affirm our continued commitment to recognise the sacrifice of the brave soldiers who lost their lives for our freedom.

“Walking in the footsteps of our esteemed war poets, I feel honoured to add my contribution to bring the poetry of conflict to global modern audiences. While we reflect on the lessons we have learnt from the Second World War, and the future our fallen heroes gifted us, I hope my words serve to unite us all in our feelings of both sadness and immense pride.”