TWO events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the annual Armed Forces Day are being held in the borough later this year.

The event marking the D-Day landings and overall victory in the Second World War will take place in Mesnes Park, Wigan on Saturday, June 8.

Later that month, Armed Forces Day – a day to celebrate the men and women that make up the Armed Forces community past and present – will see a parade embark from Leigh Civic Square on Saturday, June 29.

Gill Burchall, Wigan Council’s Armed Forces keyworker, said: “Marking D-Day and celebrating our dedicated Armed Forces communities is really important to us here in Wigan Borough.

“We hope that our communities will come out to join us to mark these important days in our calendar.”

The D-Day event will see a military parade, military vehicle showcase, entertainment and funfair for children.

Wigan borough’s RAF Cadet Band will be playing in support of the Higham Brothers memorial.

Gill added: “As part of the commemorations, BETA Education Charity is also collecting contributions for a booklet on D-Day and are encouraging people to share their memories. Just contact eileen@betaanetcafe.co.uk to contribute by April 26.”

Armed Forces Day will take place on Leigh Civic Square, with a military procession, arts and crafts and family friendly entertainment.