COMMEMORATIONS took place throughout the Ludlow area to mark a historic anniversary.

A Ludlow Town Council spokesperson announced that the 80th anniversary D-Day remembrance event, held on June 6 at Ludlow Castle was a great success. The evening was organised collaboratively by Ludlow Town Council, Ludlow Castle, and Ludlow Chamber of Trade.

D-day, which is also known as ‘the Normandy landings’ or ‘Operation Overlord’ took place on June 6 1944 and was the largest seaborne invasion in world history. It began the liberation of France and the rest of Western Europe from Axis forces and laid the foundations for the allied victory in the Second World War.

Ludlow's Mayor and others were on hand to mark the historic event in the townLudlow's Mayor and others were on hand to mark the historic event in the town (Image: Ludlow Town Council)

Almost 1,000 attendees gathered in the town to honour the significant day with a community picnic, live music, and tributes. Locals enjoyed a variety of foods from local vendors as well as war time-inspired music from Macy O, Paul Berick, Ludlow Town Concert Band, and The Saxophone Quartet.

At 9.15pm the Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Beverley Waite read the international tribute whilst Ludlow’s Beacon was lit in unison with ceremonies across the UK, including one in nearby Tenbury Wells.

In addition to the evening time celebration held at Ludlow Castle, the Ludlow Royal British Legion organised a poignant daytime Remembrance Service at Ludlow Peace Memorial, which was attended by local dignitaries, residents of local care homes, and veterans.

Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Beverley Waite said she was grateful to all who attended and participated in the events.

“It was heartwarming to see our community come together in such large numbers to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during D-Day,” she said.