Beacons of light to honour D-Day bravery

The lighting of beacons to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings will "honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought", the chief minister has said.

Two ceremonies will be held at 21:15 BST on 6 June at the War Memorial in St John's, as well as St Ninian's Church tower in Douglas.

The beacons of light are part of a wider initiative across the allied nations to mark the anniversary.

Alfred Cannan said the anniversary would allow Manx people to "reflect our deep respect and gratitude" to those involved.

Landmarks across the island including the Tower of Refuge, the Tynwald building, Imperial Buildings and Ramsey Swing Bridge will be lit up in red throughout the evening.

The D-Day landings, which took place on 6 June 1944, saw 156,000 allied troops land in Normandy and led to the liberation of the Northern part of the country.

The lighting of the beacon in St John's will follow a service of reflection at the Royal Chapel, organised by the Royal British Legion, from 20:00, which will include readings from Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Alfred Cannan.

At the service, a representative of the Isle of Man Steam Packet will read a statement about the company's involvement in the Normandy landings, which saw three of the firm's vessels used.

Wreaths will then be laid by the governor, the President of Tynwald and the chief minister.

To coincide with that national commemoration, a beacon will also be lit at St Ninian's Church in the island's capital in an event organised by Douglas Council.

That ceremony will be accompanied by a performance from Douglas Town Band and a speech by mayor Natalie Byron-Teare.

Prior to the evening commemorations, Douglas Council is set to hold its own wreath laying service at its Normandy Memorial at 10:15.

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