17 Dec 2013
To mark the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the ensuing 100 days of the Battle of Normandy, from March to September, Normandy will be hosting an impressive calendar of special events including historical re-enactments, firework displays, military processions, concerts, exhibitions and much more. New museums are now open, existing museums are opening new exhibition spaces and GPS tours and downloadable apps have been developed to enhance the visitor experience.
2014 may be the last time that a significant number of veterans gather in Normandy and thus, the last time that 21st century children have the opportunity to touch living history and hear first-hand accounts of the immeasurable courage and heroism of these men.
Click here for a dedicated press pack of events and attractions for the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
The official commemoration ceremony of 6th June will take place at Sword beach in Ouistreham. This event will be reserved veterans and heads of state. More information here: the70th-normandy.com
Highlights from the special events calendar include:
- June 2nd - 4th, The Freedom Tattoo, Saint-Lô
- June 6th, Concert for Peace, Sainte-Mère-Église
- June 7th, Giant picnic on Omaha beach, Siant-Laurent-sur-Mer
- June 8th, Parachute show in La Fière near to Sainte-Mère-Église
- June 28th, Liberation Ball - 40s meal and dance, Fermanville
- July 12th - 13th, Freedom Celebrated, festival, dance and firework display, Bolleville
Many events are still being confirmed so check the dedicated website for more information: the70th-normandy.com
New for 2014:
Overlord
Museum, Colleville-sur-Mer
Opened in June 2013, this museum houses an impressive collection of World War II objects and military vehicles, restored to full working order. The collection was made over a 40 year period by Monsieur Leloup who lived through the events in Normandy in 1944.
Arromanches 360°
The new film showing at the circular Arromanches 360° cinema, 'Normandy's 100 Days', was produced by the creators of the hugely successful French television series "Apocalypse." Projected in high-definition, featuring archive images and footage from around the world, the film retraces the history of the Battle of Normandy, from the preparations for the D-Day Landings to the Liberation of Paris.
D-Day in high-tech:
Arromanches 1944 app
Available from itunes apple store and Googleplay ARROMANCHES 1944 gives a 360° view of the 1944 Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches, reconstructed in 3D which lets you see the port operating as it did in 1944. With augmented reality, it also allows you to revisit the German coastal defences, as well as the villages of Saint-Côme de Fresné and Courseulles-sur-Mer to observe the D-Day landing operations between 5am and 7.25am on the morning of June 6th.
D-Day online:
Annie Darling's D-Day Blog
Last year, Annie Darling travelled to Normandy and reported on the 69th commemorations in her D-Day blog which also featured interviews with veterans and visitors. Next June, the 21 year old London based journalism student will return to Normandy to report on the 70th anniversary in 2014. Annie's voice bridges the generation gap, connecting with a younger audience and bringing history to life.
The 70th Anniversary Logo
The logo can be downloaded for free and used for press purposes - please contact Maggie McNulty for terms of use.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Maggie McNulty
Tel: 0207 061 66 37
Email: maggie.mcnulty@atout-france.fr
