With the commemorative events due to kick off at 11am, scenes this morning in Southsea show that people are starting to queue up to get into the fenced off area of Southsea Common for the huge anniversary events today (June 5). Thousands of people are expected to be heading into the city for the two events: a morning event between 11am and 1pm and and an evening event between 8:30pm and 10pm.
Dame Helen Mirren will host the commemorations which will feature military musician performances, special guests and a flypast by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.
Watch now on Shots! D-Day: The Forgotten Soldiers - a special documentary brought to you by The News
Here are 14 pictures of the scenes in Southsea this morning:
9. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common
Gate for public admittance. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common, Portsmouth Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050624-004) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
10. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common
Laura Payne and her son, Oakley, 14. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common, Portsmouth. Oakley's greatgrandfather, William Field, was a member of 47 Commando and landed on a Normandy beach on D-Day, the day before his 18th birthday Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050624-003) Photo: Chris Moorhouse
11. D Day 80 commemorations on Southsea Common
D Day 80 commemorations on Southsea Common, Southsea, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Picture: Sarah Standing (050624-18) Photo: Sarah Standing
12. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common
Police on duty. D-Day 80 national commemorative event, Southsea Common, Portsmouth Picture: Chris Moorhouse (050624-002) Photo: Chris Moorhouse