TOWNS and parishes across Mid Cheshire are set to mark 80 years since the launch of what's been dubbed 'humanity’s most audacious military campaign'.
The fight to retake Western Europe for the Nazis was launched on June 6, 1944, an event which has come to be known as the D-Day landings.
Many hundreds of thousands of brave men left their families to engage in some of the bloodiest fighting of the entire war on the beaches of Normandy in Northern France.
Estimates puts the number of British soldiers, sailors, and airmen killed or missing at around 11,000, with another 54,000 wounded.
This lit beacon in Winsford commemorated 100 years since Armistice Day in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)
On Thursday, June 6, towns and villages across Cheshire will be coming together to mark the milestone anniversary by lighting beacons of light, symbolising the hope D-Day brought to British men and women at a particularly dark point in the Second World War.
Those attending a ceremony will be invited to join in saying the International Tribute, Let us Remember Those, and towns which have an official crier will be making a special anniversary proclamation.
Here’s a roundup of D-Day 80th anniversary events taking place in Mid Cheshire on Thursday, June 6.
Winsford
Winsford Town Council will be holding a special remembrance ceremony, which will include lighting a beacon, at the Marina Island, Winsford Marina, at 9.15pm. You may want to get there a little earlier to be sure you don't miss it.
Winsford and Knutsford's town criers will be making a special 80th anniversary proclamation (Image: Newsquest)
Knutsford
The town council’s memorial service will start at 8.45pm at the Centennial War Memorial, with a beacon being lit at 9.15pm.
The service will be led by the town mayor, Cllr Colin Banks, and his chaplain, Rev Paul Deakin.
Northwich
The town council will be hosting a beacon lighting ceremony at Verdin Park. The beacon itself will be lit at 9.15pm.
Delamere and Oakmere
Delamere and Oakmere Parish Councils were be holding their own beacon lighting event at the top of Old Pale Hill at 9.15pm.
At 176m above sea level, this is bound to be one of the more dramatic beacon events, though accessibility may be an issue for some people.
Lit beacons symbolise hope D-Day bought to British men and women at an especially low point in the war (Image: Newsquest)
Barnton
Barton Parish Council will be holding its own service at Nursery Road Recreation Ground, Hayes Drive, from 7pm.
The beacon lighting itself is scheduled for 9.15pm.
Weaverham
This even kicks off at 6.00pm with a service at St Mary's Church, when the bells will be rung for peace.
This is followed by a poppy presentation at Weaverham's memorial bench at 7pm, followed by free food, wine, and a big band at the community centre.
The beacon lighting will take place on Lakehouse Field from around 9pm, followed by fireworks.
The Birches Crematorium, Lostock Gralam
The Lostock Gralam crematorium’s event will include a beacon lighting at 9.15pm, and include readings, music, and the first ever performance of the Birches Community Choir.
The event begins at 8.30pm and there will be refreshments before and after, and a collection will be taken for the Royal British Legion.
Northwich town council is planning to hold a similar even, but details are yet to be finalised.
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