Chance to light the beacon to mark 80 years since D-Day

Published: Mon 15th April, 2024

A competition is being held to find a local resident to light the beacon in Queen’s Park in Loughborough, to mark the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

Charnwood Borough Council is searching for a resident with either a military background or personal connection to D-Day to join the Mayor of Charnwood in lighting the beacon at an event on Thursday June 6, 2024 – exactly 80 years since the Allied invasion.

This will be one of many beacon lighting events to take place across the country to mark the anniversary and pay respects to those that served and lost their lives in the invasion and the Second World War.

Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a Charnwood resident to play an important role in marking the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. 

“I hope we receive a number of entries and look forward to hearing and reading the stories of residents from across the borough.

“This anniversary is important to mark and to pay tribute to those who selflessly lost their lives during the Second World War and D-Day. With the town’s war memorial, the Carillon Tower overlooking the beacon, it will make for a poignant and memorable evening.” 

The Council would like to hear from applicants about why they would want to be considered for this very special task, and what it would mean from them to be chosen to light the beacon as part of the D-Day anniversary.

Applications can be made by filling out this survey. The deadline to apply to light the beacon is Monday, May 6 2024.

The winner will be contacted on the week commencing Monday, May 13, 2024.

Details including the terms and conditions for the competition can be found on the Council’s dedicated webpage.

The last beacon lighting to take place in Queen’s Park was in June 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.