HUNDREDS of people attended events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
Siston Parish Council said about 300 people attended the lighting of a commemorative beacon on Siston Common on the evening of June 6, the anniversary of the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy which hastened the end of the Second World War.
The event included songs from the 1940s sung a cappella by The Songsmiths Quartet and a bagpipe performance by James Meiklejohn.
A service by Rev Rosemary Radcliffe culminated in the beacon being lit simultaneously with more than 1,000 others across the UK, Channel Islands and Overseas Territories.
Council chairman Andrew Stacey, who lit the beacon, said: “It was a great privilege for Siston Parish Council to host the lighting of the beacon ceremony in honour of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
“It was attended by around 300 residents and was a very emotive occasion.
“The parish council is very grateful to Ian Adams, who managed the organisation of the event and also to Reverend Rosemary who led the service, James Meiklejohn, the very talented piper and last but not least the amazing Songsmiths quartet, who ensured an electric atmosphere”.
Three days later another crowd attended a service of commemoration in Page Park, which included wreath laying at the war memorial.
Right: Piper James Meiklejohn