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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council members have received a progress report on plans to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6.

Last December, members agreed to register involvement in the D-Day 80 programme of events by lighting a beacon at East or West Strand, Portrush, to invite His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant to light the beacon alongside the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, and to extend an invitation to Royal British Legion Group 10 members.

Members received an event progress report at the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 28, confirming that the beacon had been delivered and will be lit on the beach at East Strand at 9.15pm.

The 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC stall and two military vehicles will also be in place at East Strand car park from 8pm.

A beacon will be lit in Portrush on June 6 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day. Credit Causeway Coast and Glens Council

The report added: “The Pipes and Drums of 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC will perform from 8.45pm in the lead up to the beacon lighting.

“Group 10 Royal British Legion will be represented by their standard bearers, as will the REME Association and a number of other location Associations.

“Army cadets from detachments in Coleraine and Ballymoney will attend along with a number of Portrush Sea Cadets.”

UUP Councillor Darryl Wilson said the council needed to adequately advertise the event, and proposed the use of targeted and paid advertising.

He added: “We need to maximise public participation so people aren’t saying to us afterwards ‘I didn’t know that was on'.”

Director of Corporate Services, Moira Quinn, said an advertising programme had already started which would continue in the lead up to the event.

Pipes and drums to perform at D Day 80th anniversary commemoration in Portrush