D-Day anniversary: Queens Hotel in Southsea transformed with spectacular D-Day light show - here's how you can see it

AN HISTORIC hotel in Southsea has been transformed with a spectacular D-Day light show.
By Matthew Mohan-Hickson
Published 6th Jun 2019, 11:52 BST
Updated 6th Jun 2019, 15:28 BST
D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick CourtneyD-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney
D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney

The Queens Hotel will be marking the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings with a stylish, patriotic salute to veterans throughout this week. 

The historic building in Osborne Road, Southsea, will be used as the backdrop for a D-Day light display which will switch on at 9.30pm each night until Saturday.

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During the Second World War, General Charles de Gaulle stayed at the Queens Hotel for a long period and he could often be found on the terrace staring longingly towards France.

D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick CourtneyD-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney
D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney

Other wartime visitors included Sir Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower.

The light show includes flags from nations involved in the Normandy invasion being projected onto the hotel’s exterior. 

Owner Farid Yeganeh said: 'Portsmouth has been proud to be the focus of the world’s attention as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

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'With the Queens Hotel occupying such a prominent location adjacent to where all the celebratory activities will be happening, we wanted to play our part and light up the heart of Southsea.'

D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick CourtneyD-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney
D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney

Events to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day landings are taking place throughout the city and on Southsea Common in particular throughout the rest of the week. 

These include a huge firework display, organised by Gunwharf Quays, a concert and a screening of the Disney classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks on the big screen on the common. 

The Queens Hotel will be hosting its own programme of events for the public to enjoy including: 

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- Thursday, June 6 – There will be a 1940s garden party with DJ Carl Wood from midday until 7.45pm when the Southsea Belles will boogie-woogie until 9.30pm when the D-Day light show happens.

D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick CourtneyD-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney
D-Day 75 light display on the Queens Hotel in Portsmouth. Picture courtesy of Nick Courtney

- Friday, June 7 – DJ Carl Wood will be back from midday and will be followed by the Savoy Affair who will be performing live from 7.45pm until the D-Day light show happens at 9.30pm. 

- Saturday, June 8 – Just Jazz will be performing and there will be the final D-Day light show. 

 

Related topics:Queens HotelSouthseaPortsmouth