I’m looking forward to singing in Normandy. This year, I’ll sing the official UK ceremonies at the British Normandy Memorial and at Bayeux War Cemetery, along with the British Army Band Tidworth and the choir of Worcester College Oxford, as well as ceremonies in Bayeux Cathedral, Vauville, and Arromanches.

I’ll be singing for US veterans at the C47 Memorial in Picauville, and at the city hall in Caen, which is located in a beautiful abbey. In Caen, the organisation has asked for Gregorian Chant to give a special atmosphere in the closters, so I’ve been busy preparing a beautiful programme which includes Hildegard of Bingen.

I’ll also sing at a memorial for Canadian airmen in Grangues, a stunning village in a valley with its own water source.

In the last few months, I’ve worked closely with CWGC to organize the music and liturgy for two of the ceremonies. I’m really excited to witness the ceremonies taking place, and to hear the choir and the band.

But most of all, it will be lovely to meet veterans and their carers again. This can also be sad, as each year I’m reminded of those who can no longer make the trip. As you may know, I’m recovering from shoulder surgery so it’s going to be a tough tour, but nowhere near as tough as it must be for the veterans, many of whom are over one hundred years old. It is really a deep honour to support them making their Normandy pilgrimage.