Beacon to be lit for D-Day commemorations

A beacon will be lit at Reculver Drive in Herne Bay on Thursday 6 June as the district joins the national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in 1944.

The event is being organised by the city council and will see the beacon lit at 9.15pm, in line with other lighting ceremonies across the country.

The Sheriff of Canterbury Cllr Keji Moses and Council Leader Cllr Alan Baldock will be attending.

At 9.12pm, Cllr Moses will read a special tribute written by the King’s National Pageantmaster Bruno Peek, after which the beacon will be lit. It is anticipated it will stay alight for around 30 minutes.

The event is open to everyone to come along and play their own part in the national commemoration.

Cllr Baldock said: “This is an opportunity for everybody in our community to mark this important moment in our national history.

“Please come and join us for the tribute and to see the cliff top beacon being lit at this stunning location.”

The beacon is in Reculver Drive, CT6 6QE, a short distance along from the junction with Reculver Road. Parking in the vicinity is limited.

In addition to the beacon event, Cabinet member Cllr Pip Hazelton will raise a D-Day flag on the flagpole in the Dane John Gardens at 10am on Thursday 6 June, and the Sheriff will attend a special service of remembrance at Canterbury Cathedral at 5.30pm that afternoon. This is a public service open to all.

Published: 24 May 2024