D-Day Festival 2019
Three weeks of special events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day on and around the Normandy beaches
Every year since 2007, the D-Day Festival Normandy has delivered a fabulous program of events to mark the anniversary of the Allied Landings of 6 June 1944. The 13th edition of the D-Day Festival coincides with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Normandy. The Festival takes place between 25 May and 16 June 2019 and the special events will include concerts, danses, fireworks, military reenactments, parachute drops, pipers, guided tours, special exhibitions and lots of eating and drinking! More details here.
SATURDAY 25 MAY
INTERNATIONAL MARCH FOR PEACE
UTAH BEACH TO SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 10am TO 5pm
10am Departure from Utah Beach. – 5pm Arrival in Sainte-Mère-Église. Free.
Info : 02 33 41 41 48
SATURDAY 25 MAY
11TH « HISTORY AND MEMORIES » BOOK FAIR
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 10am TO 12pm / 2pm TO 6pm
VILLAGE HALL
About fifty authors will be invited. Free entrance.
Info : 09 62 39 20 49 / 02 33 04 60 19
SATURDAY 1 JUNE
HISTORIC WALK
HIESVILLE > 3pm
Historic walk with commentary (9km). Follow in the footsteps of the paratroopers of the 101th Airborne in June, 1944.
Compulsory booking : 02 33 21 00 33
SATURDAY 1 JUNE
INTERNATIONAL PEACE CONCERT
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE
International concert for peace.
Info : 02 33 41 31 18
SATURDAY 1 JUNE
HARLEY DAVIDSON RALLY
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 9.30am
Rally and display of more than 60 military Harley Davidson motorcycles from the 40s. Planned return by 5pm.
Info : 02 33 21 00 33
FROM 2 TO 7 JUNE
INTERNATIONAL WORLD WAR II FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 2 JUNE
OPENING NIGHT
UTAH BEACH – MUSÉE DU DÉBARQUEMENT > 7pm TO 11pm
Opening ceremony of the International World War II Festival. The actors of the series “Band of Brothers” and veterans will be present on the red carpet. Price rate 75€ : the ticket includes access to the museum, buffet, drinks, concert, autographs and photos with the actors and veterans.
FROM 3 TO 7 JUNE
MEET THE BAND OF BROTHERS ACTORS
UTAH BEACH SECTOR
Monday, June 3rd – Landing Museum of Utah Beach 11am : Signing session of the actors. Price rate 20€ (museum ticket non included). Theater of Carentan-les-Marais : 30 minute film of the actors’ testimonials of their experiences and memories of the series. Tuesday, June 4th – Carentan-les-Marais 4pm : VIP Tour in Normandy and dinner with the actors at Les Pont d'Ouve restaurant in Carentan-les-Marais (8pm) 506€. Wednesday, June 5th – Marina – Carentan-les-Marais 9pm. : Free concert by the actors. Thursday, June 6th - Saint-Côme-du-Mont – Dday Experience 8pm : Signing session of the actors. Price rate 20€, museum ticket non included. Friday, June 7th – Catz – Normandy Victory Museum 11am to 1pm : Signing session. Price rate 20€.
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
AWARDS CEREMONY
CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS – SALLE DU THÉÂTRE
8pm Screenings of the award-winning films of the festival. Award ceremony by the actors of Band of Brothers.
Info : www.wwiifoundation.org/filmfest/
TUESDAY 4 JUNE
FIGHTER AIRSHIPS RECONSTRUCTION
ECAUSSEVILLE > 10am
Reconstruction of 1917 period with U-boats and fighter airships.
Infos : 02 33 08 56 02
TUESDAY 4 JUNE
FILM PREMIERE “THE GIRL WHO WORE FREEDOM”
SAINT-COME-DU-MONT > 8pm
First public presentation of the movie “The girl who wore freedom” at the D Day Experience museum.
Info : 02 33 23 61 95
WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE
FESTIVITIES IN CARENTAN
CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS > 11.30am TO 11.30pm
From 11.30am historical parachute jump with re-enactors from the “Purple Heart Lane” (subject to weather conditions). Around 140 men will jump from 7 C-47 planes on that historical place. 9.30pm Concert by Nick Aaron (former actor of Band of Brothers series) + additional groups at the marina. 11.30pm. Closing evening with fireworks from the marina.
Info : 02 33 71 23 50
WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE
EXHIBITION OF HISTORIC MILITARY VEHICULES
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 10am
Exhibition of historic military vehicles.
Info: 02 33 21 00 33
WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE
HISTORICAL PARACHUTE JUMP
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE (LA FIÈRE: 3KM FROM SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE DIRECTION PICAUVILLE) > 10.45pm TO 11.15pm
Pathfinders demonstration at La Fière. Paratroopers in charge of marking the secure jumps zones in the early hours of D-Day.
Info : 02 33 21 00 33
THURSDAY 6 JUNE
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF 47 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO
ASNELLES TO PORT-EN-BESSIN > 8.45am TO 5pm
On D-Day, 47 Royal Marine Commando landed on Gold Beach, near Asnelles, and set off on a 20km march behind enemy lines with the objective of liberating Port-en-Bessin. Start from Asnelles, main car park by the bunker. Arrival in Port-en-Bessin.
THURSDAY 6 JUNE
ARROMANCHES CELEBRATES ITS LIBERATION
ARROMANCHES > 6am to 12.00am
6am to 10.30am.: Exhibition of 250 historic vehicles on Arromanches beach. 5pm to 6pm : Parade of historic vehicles with commentary. 9pm to 12am : Live an outstanding show and enjoy the biggest 40s standards. 17 musicians and 3 singers on stage. Fireworks at the end of the show.
Info : 02 31 22 34 31
THURSDAY 6 JUNE
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE CELEBRATES D-DAY
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 10am TO 8.30pm
10am to 12pm Exhibition of historic military vehicles. 2pm Church square – Paratroopers demonstration about June 1944 boarding with commentary. 8.30pm Concert for Peace.
Info : 02 33 21 00 33
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
ARROMANCHES COMMEMORATIVE FLIGHT
Commemorative fly past of 75 WWII PIPER L4 planes. Squadron flight of 3-6 planes for 1 hour. 2pm to 11pm : The songs of Glenn Miller and The Andrews Sisters will recall Elvis Presley rockabilly and the famous Boogie-woogie. Visitors can come to sing and dance all day long.
Info : 02 31 22 34 31
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
GREAT AERIAL MEETING
ARROMANCHES
Aerial meeting. Sports paratroopers dropping in the evening.
Info : 02 31 22 34 31
SUNDAY 9 JUNE
ARROMANCHES DDAY CROSS TRIATHLON
ARROMANCHES > 9am TO 3pm
Cross-Triathlon with swimming at sea, ATV and trail. 2 course forms. S Form : swimming 500 metres, ATV 12km and trail 2km. M form (Normandy Championship) : distances are doubled.
Info : 06 12 42 86 67 usccaentriathlon14@gMAYl.com
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
LIBERTY BALL
BAYEUX > FROM 7pm
Swing, brass and big band... with the Hot Swing Sextet and then the Glenn’s Swing Orchestra, two major swing bands you will turn the clock back to the 1930s and 1940s and celebrate Liberation moments. Food available on site.
Info : 02 31 92 03 30
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
PORT-EN-BESSIN CELEBRATES ITS LIBERATION
PORT-EN-BESSIN >3pm TO 7pm
3pm to 6pm Parade of historic vehicles with re-enactors wearing period toufits. 7pm : Concert by Royal Marines orchestra.
Info : 02 31 21 92 33
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
40S JAZZ & SWING CONCERTS
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 9pn TO 11.30pm
9pm to 10.15pm : Concert “La Jazz en vadrouille” / 10.30pm to 11.30pm : Concert Ladies for Liberty.
Info : 02 33 21 00 33
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
HISTORIC PARACHUTE JUMP
ECAUSSEVILLE > 3.30pm AIRSHIP SHED
Parachute jump around the shed by men in uniforms from the period as during the night of 5th to 6th June. (subject to weather conditions).
Info : 02 33 08 56 02
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
HISTORIC WALK
AMFREVILLE > 4pm
Commentaried historic walk (9km). Places are limited. 2€/person – Free under 10.
Compulsory booking : 02 33 21 00 33
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
DDAY MEMORIAL PARADE
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 9am TO 10.30pm
9pm. to 8pm : DDay Memorial parade by Historic Programs with 3000 musicians from 15 American states. 9pm to 10.30pm: Musical performance by “les Refrains d’abords”.
Info : 02 33 21 00 33
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
HISTORIC PARADE AND LIBERTY BALL
BRETTEVILLE-L’ORGUEILLEUSE
Musical parade by re-enactors wearing period clothes, followed by a vehicle parade in the afternoon and the Liberaty Ball performed by Dancing Day band at the Studio hall in the evening.
Info : 07 77 31 86 20 / upthejohns@gMAYl.com
SATURDAY 8 JUNE
CARENTAN CELEBRATES ITS LIBERATION
CARENTAN > 11am TO 2am PLACE DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
11am to 12pm: Introduction to Lindy Hop dance by P.Troussier from Rock’n Go. 2.30pm: Lindy Hop demonstration and Galaad Moutonz concert. 4.30pm: Great parade while Exodus and Carentan Liberty March are arriving. 8.30pm to 2am: Rue de la halle : Great liberation ball. (10€, no prior booking. Food available on site. Put on your best 40s costume!)
Info : 02 33 71 23 50
SUNDAY 9 JUNE
GREAT PARACHUTE JUMPS AND CELEBRATION OF LIBERATION
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 11am TO 11.30pm
LA FIÈRE (3KM DE STE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE DIRECTION PICAUVILLE)
From 11am.: historical parachute jump with men in uniform from the period. From pm: Great military parachute jump with paratroopers from different nations (subject to weather conditions). 11am to 2pm: German Choir “Voix de la Paix partagée” (The Voice of Shared Peace). Musical entertainments with “52è Rue”.
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE – LE BOURG
10am to 12pm: Exhibition of historic military vehicles. 2pm to 3pm: 1940s-1950s talent-show. Public prize with clapometer. 3.15pm to 5.45pm: Musical performances. 6pm: Parade of historic military vehicles in the streets. 8.45pm to 10pm: Musical performance with The Four Nation Country Blues Orchestra. 10.15pm to 11.30pm : Mimile and its “ramulots”. 11.30pm : Fireworks.
Info : 02 33 41 31 18
SUNDAY 9 JUNE
CARENTAN
Lunch time: Parade of military vehicles from Arizona Camp and arriving Place du Valnoble. From 1pm (at the marina): Picnic and concerts by Duchess of Sing and Swing Shouters. Initiation to Lindy Hop dance. 2pm. to 4pm: Nautical parade. Carentelle’s Choir singing 40s music.
Info : 02 33 41 74 00
SUNDAY 9 JUNE
BAYEUX LIBERATION PARADE
BAYEUX > 11am RUE PRINCPALE
Parade of British historic vehicles and pipe bands in the main street of the first liberated town of continental France.
Info : 02 31 51 28 28
MONDAY 10 JUNE
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > TOUTE LA JOURNÉE
11am : Meeting the families MAY, ESCHER and STEELE. 11am to 12pm : Musical entertainment with “Harmonie de l’Etoile Sottevaise”. 12pm : Normandie Day picnic. 12.30pm to 2pm : Musical entertainment with Howlin’s Fox. 2.30pm to 6pm: Shows. German Choir “Voix de la Paix Partagée” (The Voice of Shared Peace). French Cancan dance troop and cabaret atmosphere with “Le Tambour”. American equestrian performance (On the equestrian ground next to the American military camp, near the market hall) Free.
Infos : 02 33 41 31 18
SATURDAY 15 ET SUNDAY 16 JUNE
PEACE FESTIVAL
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE
Saturday, 15 June: Young people entertainments and Gospel concert. Sunday, 16 June: Solemn mass, conference and polyphonic mass.
Info : 02 33 41 41 48
CAMPS AND RECONSTRUCTIONS
FROM 6 TO 10 JUNE
CAMP ARIZONA
CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS
FROM 1 TO 9 JUNE
CAMP GÉRONIMO
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 10am TO 6pm
Reconstitution of a US camp next to the Airborne Museum, staging the American Airborne troops in Normandy. Presence of 9 tanks. Various attractions: medical evacuation post, display of the american paratroopers as well as glidermen (soldiers transported by gliders), unit of antiaircraft protection: antiaircraft armored vehicles, exhibition of materials of demolition and mine clearance. On Saturday, June 8 > 10.45pm : Pathfinders demonstration. From 11.15pm : use of the antiaircraft search lights and antiaircraft vehicles of protection.
FROM THE 15 TO THE 16 JUNE
CAMP « UP THE JOHNS ! »
Reconstitution of a military camp and other attractions on-site. Saturday evening: Musical ball at the camp with a performance of Miss Paramount.
DATE: TBC
ANTIQUE MILITARY FAIR
PICAUVILLE > 7am TO 5pm SALLE J.C FLAMBART (RUE MARCEL RACHINE)
22th antique military fair. Price for exhibitors : 8.50€/linear meter. Entrance 2.50€. Food available on site.
Info : charles.dennebouy@orange.fr
MONDAY 3 JUNE
ANTIQUE MILITARY FAIR
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE > 8.30am TO 4pm MARCHÉ COUVERT
Antique military fair. Entrance 4€. 15€/linear meter for exhibitors.
Info : 06 08 45 24 65
WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE
ANTIQUE MILITARY FAIR
ECAUSSEVILLE > 8.30am TO 4pm DIRIGEABLES HANGAR
Antique military fair. Entrance 4€. 15€/linear meter for exhibitors.
Info : 06 25 80 77 95 / 06 16 16 36 00
FRIDAY 7 JUNE
ANTIQUE MILITARY FAIR
CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS > 8am TO 4pm MARCHÉ AUX BESTIAUX
Antique military fair.
Info : bbbww2@live.fr
For more information about visiting Normandy's WWII battlefields visit www.welovenormandy.com