Flypast part of D-Day 80th anniversary events on Portland

The aerial spectacular will be part of special events on the isle organised for the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord on June 6, 2024.

Although subject to national commitments and weather, it is hoped that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will soar over Portland Bill, the isle's cenotaph and Victoria Gardens at 11am.

It will coincide with a service of remembrance to be held in Victoria Gardens which will follow on from a provisional procession of military vehicles from Castletown D-Day Centre to Victoria Gardens. It is hoped that Weymouth Concert Brass will be in attendance.

A spitfire flypast on Weymouth beach for the 70th anniversary of D-Day (Image: DMS)

Events will also be held in Weymouth on June 6 with Weymouth Town Council allocated £5,000 towards various activities and working with Portland Town Council and Dorset Council to coordinate events.

It is hoped that both Weymouth and Portland will be a focal point for people to come to and enjoy this once in a generation occasion.  

READ MORE: '80th anniversary of D-Day to be celebrated in Weymouth'

The poignant day will begin at 8am on Portland with the D-Day Proclamation read on Castletown beach.

Hundreds of soldiers set off for the beaches of Normandy from Weymouth and Portland.

There was a busy wartime dockyard on Portland and in 1944 thousands of American troops of the 5th US Corps and the US 1st infantry embarked, bound for the heavily defended beaches of Nazi occupied France.

One of the Portland Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Units, assembled as part of the follow-up to the Normandy landings (Image: NQ)

Youngsters will also feature in the commemoration plans - a Poem for Schools will be read out at Portland schools and nurseries.

In the evening there will be a mass bellringing event with churches across the isle 'ringing out for peace'.

Those taking part are St George's Church, St John's Church and All Saints Church.

Rounding off the day's events will be a lighting of the beacon and international tribute at New Ground.

It is planned that activities will start up in the late afternoon and will include the performances of music and an outdoor screen to broadcast the national D-Day 80 programme, film and other appropriate footage.

The D-Day Centre at Castletown and Portland Museum in Wakeham will also play an important part in the commemorations, with activities being held throughout the day at both venues.

Events will also coincide with National Fish and Chip Day, which has been moved to June 6 this year to coincide with the D-Day anniversary and it is hoped that chippies on the isle will join in with the commemorative spirit.

Portland Town Council says it is to announce further details for the 80th anniversary commemoration in due course.