General Sir James Stuart Steele’s role will be the focus of events on June 5 at Ballycarry, while the following day ‘Paddy the Pigeon’s contribution will be highlighted in Carnlough. Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne will all host events, including the lighting of beacons, as part of council’s Normandy 80 commemorations.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “Council is hosting a number of events to bring people together to mark this historic anniversary and we hope as many as possible will take part in the commemorations.
“Had the Normandy Landings been a failure there is little doubt that the war would have gone on far longer, with greater losses and possibly with different outcomes. We can all be grateful for the courage and sacrifice displayed by those thousands of young men who went onto the beaches, Normandy or were flown in on gliders.
“They came from across the United Kingdom, Canada and from the United States - protecting the values that we still hold dear, and which were in danger of being lost forever.”
Here are seven official events to look out for in Mid and East Antrim June 5-6.
5. Normandy 80
Concert in the Atrium of the Braid on June 6 at 7.30pm with Kellswater Flute Band, the Swing Gals and piper Lee Hanna. This will be followed by the lighting of the Normandy 80 beacon at 9.15pm. Photo: Local Democracy Reporting Service
6. Normandy 80
Carrick Town Hall: a concert with Third Carrick Old Boys Silver Band, singer Lisa Dawson and piper John Fittis will be held on June 6 at 8pm. This will be followed by a walk to the Normandy 80 beacon at the War Memorial, to be lit at 9.15pm. Photo: Google
7. Normandy 80
McNeill Theatre Larne: A concert with Magheramorne Silver Band, Zolene and the ALS Band and piper Trevor Hassin, whose father landed at Normandy will be held on June 6 at 7.45pm. This will be followed by a procession from Royal British Legion to Chaine Memorial Road for lighting of a beacon after 9pm. Photo: National World