Thursday will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during the Second World War.

The military effort was a decisive moment during the conflict with Allied forces securing the French region of Normandy after six weeks of hard fighting.

From here, British forces with the help of other Allies pushed towards Germany, helping to bring an end to the war in Europe.

To commemorate D-Day, a number of events will be taking place across Enniskillen on Thursday and Saturday.

The D-Day events taking place in Enniskillen this week

Here are all the D-Day anniversary events taking place in Enniskillen, Fermanagh this week as well as the timings for each.

Thursday, June 6

Midnight

A service marking the 80th anniversary of the historic day will be held at Rossory Parish Church, Enniskillen, entitled '85 Days Remembered: Recalling the events of the D-Day Landings’.

This will be conducted by the Rector of Rossory, the Revd Stephen McWhirter.

8am

Fermanagh D-Day commemorations will begin at 8am on Thursday with the National D-Day 80 Proclamation read by Gary Wilson in front the Watergate (Enniskillen Castle).

This will be accompanied by the Regimental Pipes & Drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards performing their D-Day 80 Tribute, ‘Highland Laddie’.

11am

Enniskillen Model and Jones Memorial Primary Schools will host D-Day Commemorative Events which will be attended by the Fermanagh Lieutenancy and other dignitaries.

Here, there will be an opportunity for children to engage with WWII vehicles and learn more about Fermanagh's role in helping to train American soldiers for the Normandy landings.

6:30pm

The Bells of St. Macartin's Cathedral will Peal, 'Ringing Out For Peace', commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

8pm

A Community Service & Beacon Lighting Ceremony marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day will take place at St Macartins Cathedral to honour those who fought in Northern France.

This service will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the local Fermanagh Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA). 

At this service, the Fermanagh Branch RAFA will dedicate new cords donated by the Eames family in memory of Bill Eames, a former President of the branch, for their standard.

The service will be led by Right Reverend Ian Ellis, Bishop of Clogher and attended by standard bearers of Regimental Associations and representatives of the Armed Forces, Army & RAF Cadets & Veterans. 

The D-Day beacon will then be jointly lit at 9:15pm by Viscount Brookeborough, Lord Lieutenant for Co. Fermanagh, Paul A. Roelle, US Consulate Belfast and Jerome Mullen and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland.

 

Saturday, June 8

10am

A Drumhead Service will take place at St. Michael's Church and will be conducted by the rector, Revd Mark Gallagher who is also Enniskillen Airport's chaplain. 

This will take the form of a Drumhead Service featuring music from the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Royal Dragoon Guards and a special guest soloist.

11am to 5pm

Enniskillen Airport, formerly RAF St Angelo during WWII, will host one of the largest free community commemorations in Northern Ireland to mark D-Day 80.

This will include WW2 vehicles, regimental bands, a military village and an emergency services display.

The Ulster Aviation Society's replica ‘Spitfire’ will also be in Situ while the Fermanagh Pipe Band and others will perform a variety of live music throughout the day.

A special D-Day 80 tribute will be performed by local pipers & drummers, together with The Erne Highland Dancers.

The Regimental Pipes & Drums of The Royal Dragoon Guards and the Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment, will perform a Beating Retreat at 4pm.