Southwick prepares to turn back clock for D-Day event

Organisers of the Southwick D-Day Revival are looking forward to this year’s event which starts on Friday, June 9.

The three-day event is expected to attract thousands of people to the village where they can enjoy military vehicles, re-enactors and a 1940s market.

There will be a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly-past at 3.30pm on the Saturday and 1pm on the Sunday.

Visitors will also be able to tour Southwick House, where the D-Day Landings were planned.

One of the organisers, Martin Bazeley, said: ‘Everyone in the village is getting excited about Revival.

‘We are looking to see between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend and we hope to raise around £20,000 for charity.

‘This is always a fun event and something we all enjoy.

‘We have got a wonderful authenticity to the village.

‘There are no modern conservatories or double-yellow lines so the village is a wonderful backdrop.’

This year’s event has a new feature and will start with a performance by Portsmouth Military Wives Choir.

The group will be singing at St James’ Church at 7.30pm on June 9. Their act will be made up of patriotic songs of the 1940s and Martin said they were expecting to ‘raise the roof’.

Proceeds from the concert, sponsored by Biscoes solicitors, and the weekend event will go to armed forces support charity SSAFA and community projects.

On June 10 and 11, families will be able to see a range of military vehicles all from the Second World War era or before as well as games, activities and a new assault course for children loaned from Fort Nelson.

Martin added that many of the tours and talks were alread sold out, with tickets snapped up quickly.

‘When we put our newsletter out, the phone starts ringing,’ he said.

‘The weekend is really popular and it is great to see the different activities interesting so many people.’

Tickets for the concert are £15 but limited are left. To buy tickets call (023) 9232 5252.

Entry to the village is £2.50 adults and £1 for under 14s.