On 5th June I sang at the Glider Stones next to the original Pegasus Bridge, the memorial to the Ox and Bucks regiment who landed in the early hours of 6th June 1944. This was in the presence of the family of Major John Howard, who led the gliders that landed in Normandy just after midnight on 6th June. The men secured Pegasus Bridge, thus allowing the troops arriving on the beaches to move in land.
On 5th June, I led the singing at a commemoration organised by the Spirit of Normandy Trust at Colleville Montgomery. Veterans, descendants, carers, friends, pilgrims, service men and women, and cadets all gathered at the statue of Field Marshall Montgomery.
On 4th June we commemorated the fallen of the Battle of Normandy in CWGC Banneville cemetery. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission have organised a series of vigils in which all the their cemeteries in Normandy will be lit up during the week around the eightieth anniversary of D-Day. I joined the Massed Band of the Pegasus Memorial to sing during the ceremony. I also worked behind the scenes to organise the order of service and script.
On 4th June, we welcomed a party of veterans travelling with Spirit of Normandy Trust to Caens. I led the British and French national anthems on the steps of the city hall.
If you have made the remembrance pilgrimage to Normandy, do join us!
Friday, 7th June, 20:00, Ver sur Mer, France
On 8th June I will give a concert in the beautiful Church of Our Lady in Grangues, France, together with oboist Franck le Bail. Our programme includes folksongs from the British Isles, Hildegard of Bingen, Gregorian Chant, and of course songs connected to remembrance and peace.
Saturday 8th June, L’Eglise de Notre Dame, Grangues, France
For tickets, please visit this link.