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D-DAY 80

Silhouettes of man and boy standing on cliff top beside an artillery gun looking over a fleet of ships in a bay and barrage balloons above

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. It included the largest seaborne invasion in history, code named Operation Neptune, but most often referred to as D-Day. 

The city of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas played a significant role in the preparations for the operation.  

A new exhibition D-Day: A Portsmouth Story opened on Friday 24 May at Fort Nelson, complemented by a programme of themed events and lectures throughout the year. 

24 May to 31 December 2024

Fort Nelson

All the Family

Free

Our D-Day 80 programme

D-Day: A Portsmouth Story Exhibition

The exhibition looks at the stories of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas in the lead-up to D-Day featuring contemporary images and accounts from local people, both military and civilian. The exhibition is supported by The News, the D-Day Story, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and Southwick House.

Friday 24 May to 31 December 2024, free admission.

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D-Day Museum Trail

A museum trail to help visitors explore the Fort and discover key artillery pieces connected with D-Day and the Second World War.

Friday 24 May to 31 December 2024, free trail

Standing With Giants: D-Day

In the spirit of the exceptionally popular 2023 Standing With Giants installation, experience our D-Day tribute of nine life-sized silhouettes of local figures with remarkable stories on display at the Fort.

Friday 24 May to Sunday 11 August, free admission.

D-Day Lecture Programme

A supporting programme of lectures delivered by experts in the fields of Second World War history and D-Day operations:

7pm to 8pm, £7.50 includes parking and light refreshments.

Please see separate pages for details and book online.

Book your visit

Please book a free visitor ticket for everyone in your party. Parking costs £3 per vehicle - pay on arrival.

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