Events to honour D-Day 80 and celebrate our Armed Forces

Residents are being invited to support and join in a series of special events commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and paying tribute to our brave Armed Forces.

Richard Stephenson-Evans, the council's armed forces officer, said: "As we mark #D-Day 80 and on behalf of Cheshire East Council, I would like to say thank you to the veterans of D-Day, whose heroic service liberated Europe from Nazi tyranny, ensuring our peace and freedom.

"In June, events will take across the borough to ensure the heroic stories of D-Day live on in a new generation.

"The UK Armed Forces and the alliances forged in the Second World War are still vital to European peace and security 80 years on, and our Armed Forces continue to operate across the globe, protecting the UK and defending peace around the world."

D-Day 80 commemorations:

• Saturday 1 June (11am to 4pm): Handforth Community and Youth Centre (SK9 3AZ). Meet the 75 Engineers and enjoy NAAFI refreshments.
• Thursday 6 June (10am to 2pm): Crewe Municipal Building (CW1 2BJ). A service at the War Memorial with the 75 Engineers, Cheshire East mayor, and town mayor in attendance.

Flag raising ceremonies:

• Monday 24 June (10am): Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters. A special flag raising private event with military personnel, mayors, and representatives across Cheshire.

Armed Forces Day celebrations:

• Tuesday 25 June (9:45am): Crewe Municipal Building (CW1 2BJ). A service at the War Memorial with the 75 Engineers, RBL Crewe, AFVBC, Bentley Motors, mayors, and cadets from Wales.
• Tuesday 25 June (1:45pm): Macclesfield Town Hall (SK10 1UD). A service with the 75 Engineers, RBL Macclesfield, mayors, and cadets from Wales.

Reserves Day - Show your support:

• Wednesday 26 June: Wear your uniform to work if you're a reservist or connected to the military. www.armedforcesday.org.uk/reserves-day/

Queens Park extravaganza

Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 (9am to 4pm): Don't miss this free, family-friendly weekend event in Crewe's Queens Park (CW2 7SE). Expect 25,000 attendees, two stunning flypasts by the RAF (TBC and weather permitting, see details below), military presence with vehicles and displays, recruitment stalls, and much more! www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Flypast times:

• Saturday 29 June: Lancaster Bomber - 3:31pm
• Sunday 30 June: Hurricane and a Spitfire - 11:49am

For more details on all events, visit the Cheshire East Council website.

Photo caption: Crown Copyright. Reconnaissance Photographs by 106 Group RAF and 7th Photo Group USAAF, 1943-1945.

Many empty landing craft and much equipment on the beach at Graye-sur-Mer, west of Oistreham, 1520 hours on 6 June 1944.