PRESS KIT
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 1
D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017 73rd Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the battle of Normandy
From 20th May to 18th June 2017
Press release ................................................................................................................. page 2
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Major events ....................................................... pages 3-10
Eleven firework events for a UNESCO world heritage inscription! .......................................... page 7
The map of the D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 .......................................................... page 11
Partners ...................................................................................................................... page 12
WWW.DDAYFESTIVAL.COM
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 2
PRESS RELEASE
D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017
From 20th May to 18th June 2017
Every year around 6th June, the D-Day Festival Normandy offers a full program of festive events in the landing
beaches area! Two years from the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day, and for the 11th edition of the D-Day Festival
Normandy, the eight tourist offices* in the Battle of Normandy Coastal Area (ELDBN) join forces again and invite
locals and tourists to celebrate freedom with a full program of festive events from 20th May to 18th June 2017!
The official “D-Day Normandy” event
Successfully extended in 2015 to the Battle of Normandy Coastal Area, the D-Day Festival Normandy
now benefits from the support of the Normandy Region and the Regional Tourist Board, making it the
official “D-Day Normandy” event. This recognition and regional support constitutes a valuable back up
for the eight tourist offices engaged in developing a popular and festive cultural agenda.
Eleven firework events for a UNESCO World Heritage inscription!
In 2017, in order to support the initiative to list the Normandy Landing Beaches as a
UNESCO World Heritage site, the tourist offices and the Normandy Region offer “Eleven
firework events for a UNESCO World Heritage inscription!”: on Sunday 4th June, at 11.30 pm,
the D-Day Festival coast will be highlighted with eleven simultaneous firework
events, from Utah Beach to Sword Beach (details p.9)!
Heading for the 75th Anniversary!
The D-Day Festival Normandy changes its poster in 2017: more contemporary, it also illustrates the
perspective of the 75th Anniversary in 2019, an unmissable event for the region!
A program of more than 110 festive events between 20th May and 18th June 2017
For this 11th edition of the festival, more than 110 events will be organised to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of D-Day,
from Utah Beach to Sword Beach. On the programme: air shows, parachute drops, parades, concerts, reconstructions,
and giant picnics…
Once again the Festival promises to be a beautiful and moving celebration!
* The eight tourist offices partnering in the D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 3
D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017 – MAJOR EVENTS
SUNDAY 21ST MAY 17€ / 10€ under 12
CONCERT OF THE FRENCH ARMY CHOIR
Bayeux > Cathedral – 4.30 PM
To celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy,
the D-Day Commemoration Committee organises a festive concert
given by the French army choir (choir of the Garde Républicaine).
Infos: +33(0)2 31 92 00 26
FROM 2ND TO 5TH
JUNE NORMANDY INTERNATIONAL WORLD WAR II FILM FESTIVAL 2017 The Normandy International World War II Film Festival recognises
the best in new feature films, documentaries and short films
focused only on stories about World War II.
Infos: www.wwiifoundation.org/filmfest/
FRIDAY 2ND JUNE 75€ / PERSON
OPENING NIGHT
Utah Beach – Sainte-Marie-du-Mont > D-Day Museum – From 8.00 PM to 11.00 PM
Opening night red carpet event at the Utah Beach Museum will be held in honor of 2nd
Ranger and D-Day Pointe-du-Hoc veteran
George Klein. Also in attendance will be actors from the “Band of Brothers” television series, film producers, directors and World
War II Veterans. European premiere of documentary film “D-Day: Over Normandy”, focused on the personal stories of those who
served in World War II and filmed exclusively by drone camera on location in Normandy. Play on a loop all evening long, at the
museum's theater.
FROM 3RD TO 5TH
JUNE PASS 3 EVENINGS: 30€ / PERSON Carentan-les-Marais – From 8.00 PM to midnight
Films, documentaries and short films selected will be shown at Cinema Le Cotentin. President of honor: Kyle Chandler.
FROM 2ND TO 6TH
JUNE FAIR GAME, BOOK FAIR AND THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY MODEL FAIR
Colleville-sur-Mer > Overlord Museum – From 9.30 AM to 7.00 PM
Models, dioramas and 1/6 scale miniatures are displayed in a tent next to the museum with
animations and historical reconstitution to discover. Saturday 3rd June, from 2 pm to 7 pm:
the Battle of Normandy Book fair second year, with about 20 authors and publishers. 3rd and
4th June: discover board games (war games) and card games about the Battle of Normandy in
the presence of professionals.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 22 00 55 / [email protected]
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 4
SATURDAY 3RD JUNE 7€ (bal)
CARENTAN CELEBRATES ITS LIBERATION
Carentan-les-Marais – From 8.00 AM to 8.30 PM
8 am: start of the Carentan Liberty March. Arrival at place de la République at 4.30
p.m. 1.30 pm: historic walk “Battle of Brevands and storming of Carentan”- 5 km (with
prior booking: 0033 233 71 23 50). 2.30-5.30 pm: concert music of the 1940s. 4 pm:
reconstitution of civilians fleeing the war followed by military and civilian vehicles. 6
pm: musical “Let’s build Peace together”. Place de la République. 8.30 pm: Liberation
Dance by Madeesson & Co. at salle des fêtes (€7 / person).
Infos: [email protected]
SATURDAY 3RD JUNE
EXHIBITION AND PARADE OF MILITARY VEHICLES
Grandcamp-Maisy – From noon to 4.00 PM (Exhibition)
Isigny-sur-Mer – From 5.30 PM to 6.30 PM (Parade)
The conservation groups from MVCG France show off about a hundred of the finest
pieces in their collection with an exhibition in Grandcamp-Maisy and then a parade
through Isigny-sur-Mer. The perfect moment to admire vintage vehicles and exchange
with passionate people in a festive atmosphere!
Infos: +33(0)2 31 21 46 00 / +33(0)2 31 22 62 44
SATURDAY 3RD JUNE
13th GIANT PICNIC OF OMAHA BEACH
Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer > Seafront – From 7.30 PM to 11.00 PM
The traditional and largest picnic on Omaha Beach. The ultimate convivial
experience, the picnic is a chance to get together and commemorate the return
of freedom. Bring your own picnic basket or enjoy onsite refreshments and
meals. 11 pm: sky lanterns release (subject to weather). Free car park nearby.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 51 39 52
SATURDAY 3RD AND SUNDAY 4TH
JUNE LANDING CRAFT L.C.V.P. PRESENTATION
Carentan-les-Marais
Presentation of Landing craft L.C.V.P. “PA30-4”, by association “Challenge L.C.V.P. –
Higgins Boat”. At the marina, wharf of Caligny.
Infos: [email protected]
+ RE-ENACTMENTS MONDAY 5TH AND TUESDAY 6TH
JUNE
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 5
FROM 3RD TO 7TH
JUNE RADIO HAM FESTIVAL AT THE RADIO MUSEUM
Creully > Creully Castle
From 10.00 AM to noon & from 2.30 PM to 6.00 PM
The Museum of radio and the BBC Tower of the Château de Creully open
their doors: come and visit the first BBC studio in France from 6th June 1944,
and meet with the amateur radio operators of Calvados who will show you
round the museum and share their passion for radio and telegraphy.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 80 18 65
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
HEROES’ MARCH
Merville-Franceville-Plage > Merville Battery – 9.30 AM Historic hike in the footsteps of the 1944’s heroes organised by the re-enactment
group France 44. Start from the parachute drop zone in Varaville to the town of
Amfreville via the Merville battery. Short scenes and historical commentary by
re-enactors. Duration: around 3 hours. Open to all. With prior booking until 2nd
June or from the start at the church of Gonneville-en-Auge.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 91 47 53
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
BATTLE OF NORMANDY BOOK FAIR
Tilly-sur-Seulles – From 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM
For the 9th year, over 40 publishers, authors, booksellers, historians and veterans are gathered
at the Battle Museum around the theme of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy.
Infos: +33(0)6 07 59 46 02
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
SAINTE-MÈRE-ÉGLISE CELEBRATES ITS LIBERATION
Sainte-Mère-Église > Church square – All the day
10 am-noon: exhibition of military vehicles, in front of the museum. 2.30 pm-3.30 pm:
musical by the company “La Langue fourchue du papillon”. 4 pm: concert of
“Washboard Compagnie” (jazz). 5.45 pm: arrival of the paratroopers from La Fière with
military vehicles parade. Welcome and speech of the city Mayor with troops review. 7
pm-10 pm: late-night opening at Airborne Museum. 8.30 pm-9.30 pm: 1940s-1950s
talent-show. Amateur singers or bands are invited to come and perform in professional
technical conditions (songs or music pieces from 1940s-1950s). Public prize with
applause meter. 9.45 pm-11.15 pm: concert of “Minor Swing” (acoustic quartet of
Gypsy swing). 11.30 pm: fireworks (as part of the “Eleven firework events for a UNESCO
World Heritage inscription!” details p.7) and lighting.
Infos: +33(0)2 33 41 31 18
12 € / Free under 8 (limited to 3
children per adult)
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 6
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
HISTORIC AND MILITARY PARACHUTE RE-ENACTMENTS
La Fière/Ste-Mère-Église/Picauville/Amfreville – From 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM
3 km from Sainte-Mère-Église, in the direction of Picauville. 11 am-2 pm: music
band in deambulation. 11 am: historical parachute jump of men in original uniforms
from C-47 aircrafts by “Liberty Jump Team” and “Round Canopy Parachuting Team”.
1 pm: military parachute jumps of active soldiers from different countries, then
ceremony at the Iron Mike monument. 5 pm: troops go back to Sainte-Mère-Église.
Infos: +33(0)2 33 41 31 18
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
BAGPIPERS AND MASSED BAND PARADE
Douvres-La-Délivrande/Luc-Sur-Mer/Langrune-Sur-Mer/Saint-
Aubin-Sur-Mer/Bernières-Sur-Mer/Courseulles-Sur-Mer
From 11.00 AM to 8.30 PM
Bagpipers’ parade and massed band. 11 am: start of the “Auld Alliance”
from the basilica square, rue du Général de Gaulle and arrival cour
d’Yvrande, Douvres-la-Délivrande. 11.30 am: concert of “Dihun Keltieg”,
place du Petit Enfer, Luc-sur-Mer. Concert of “Piperade”, in front of the
tourist office, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. 3 pm: parade of “Dihun Keltieg”, start
from city hall garden, Luc-sur-Mer. Parade of the “Auld Alliance” on the promenade, start from the market square,
Courseulles-sur-Mer. Parade of “Piperade” on the promenade, Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. 4.15 pm: parade of “Piperade”
on the promenade, Bernières-sur-Mer. Parade of “Dihun Keltieg” on the promenade, Langrune-sur-Mer. 6 pm:
bagpipers massed band in front of the Juno Beach Centre, Courseulles-sur-Mer. 8.30 pm: parade of the bagpipers of
the “Auld Alliance” in traditional dress, on the promenade, Courseulles-sur-Mer.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 97 33 25 (Luc-sur-Mer) – +33(0)2 31 97 32 77 (Langrune-sur-Mer) – +33(0)2 31 97 30 41 (Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer)
+33(0)2 31 96 44 02 (Bernières-sur-Mer) – +33(0)2 31 37 46 80 (Courseulles-sur-Mer)
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
FESTIVITIES IN ARROMANCHES
Arromanches-les-Bains – From 11.00 AM to 11.30 PM
Festivities in Arromanches with from 11 am to 7 pm: D-Day Arromanches Cross
Triathlon (swimming, mountain bike and running). 9.30 pm-11.30 pm: concert
of the charming trio “Girly Swing”. Place du 6 Juin. 11.45 pm: firework (as part
of the “Eleven firework events for a UNESCO World Heritage inscription!”
details p.7).
Infos: +33(0)2 31 22 36 45
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 7
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 8
SUNDAY 4TH JUNE
SWORD, I WRITE YOUR NAME…
Ouistreham Riva Bella – From 5.00 PM to 5.45 PM
The main beach of Ouistreham near “The Flame”, becomes the time of
an event, the place of a great gathering enabling everyone having a
coloured piece of paper given on site, to write the word “SWORD”,
visible from the sky. A release of doves and a kites demonstration will
occur for the occasion.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 97 18 63
MONDAY 5TH JUNE
D-DAY PIPES AND DRUM
Colleville-Montgomery > Landing square – 4.00 PM
Gathering of pipers coming from all countries at the Bill Millin statue with
the “Bagpipers of the World United” and concert paying tribute to the
soldiers who fell during the Battle of Normandy, with the presence of John
Millin, son of the famous piper.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 97 18 63
WEDNESDAY 7TH JUNE
BACK TO THE BEACHES
Merville-Franceville-Plage > Merville Battery – From 10.00 AM to
6.30 PM
A visit by up to 120 World War II British Veterans. Arriving in London
taxis on a trip arranged by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. 11
am: ceremony for N°3 Commando, tandem parachute jumps with
display by the Red Devils and a concert by the D-Day Darlings.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 91 47 53 – 00-44(0) 7941 772264
WEDNESDAY 7TH JUNE
BAYEUX CELEBRATES FREEDOM
Bayeux > De Gaulle square – 7.00 PM
Come to celebrate the Liberation of Bayeux during a ball, on the
square of the famous speech of General de Gaulle. Possibility to
picnic. Food on site. Admission free.
Infos: +33(0)2 31 92 03 30
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 9
FROM 9TH TO 11TH
JUNE From €12 to €50
COURANTS DE LA LIBERTÉ, FESTIVAL OF RACES FOR EVERYONE
Caen
A unique range of trials through the symbolic places of the Second World
War to the city-centre of Caen: the Marathon de la Liberté, the half-
marathon Pegasus, the 10km Crédit Agricole Normandie, the
Rochambelle women’s race, rollerskating… So everyone can take part.
30th anniversary this year!
Infos: +33(0)9 72 44 91 49 – [email protected]
SAMEDI 17 JUIN LA BERNIÉRAISE Bernières-sur-Mer > Beach – From 2.00 PM to 4.30 PM
The Berniéraise sailing gathers various rowing and sailing boat: rafts,
paddles, boards, kayaks, catamarans… The different fleets unit to
create a huge social sailing, a festive and friendly moment to pay
tribute to the Canadians who landed on the beach and fought for our
freedom in 1944.
Infos: +33(0)6 67 74 48 03
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 10
BUT ALSO…
RECONSTRUCTIONS OF MILITARY CAMPS
FROM 2ND TO 5TH
JUNE RECONSTRUCTION OF A US PARATROOPER CAMP
« GERONIMO CAMP »
Sainte-Mère-Église > Airborne Museum – All the day
Every day and all day long on the camp. American paratrooper
display: equipment and weapons. Command strategy explanations:
drop zone study on 3D scale model (sand table). First Aid Post in
combat zone with evacuation of casualties (ambulance).
Reconstruction of a Post Exchange (PX), military shop that improve
soldier's everyday life. Armored reconnaissance unit in campaign
overview (tanks, armored cars, light vehicles, weapons). Display of military cooking. Explanations on different types of
rations. Exhibition of vehicles and equipment. Saturday, June 3rd: late evening until midnight. Between 11 pm and
11.30 pm: animations about pathfinders, night re-enactment with equipment and weapons.
Infos: +33(0)2 33 41 41 35
FROM 2ND TO 5TH
JUNE RECONSTRUCTION OF A US MILITARY AND CIVIL CAMP
« ARIZONA CAMP »
Carentan-les-Marais – All the day
Camp’s life, exhibition and vehicles parade and stand “History and
Collections”. Friday, June, 2nd at 7 pm: GI’s soup is given to camp
participants and visitors. 9 pm: 1940s dance “Stage Door Canteen” is
an authentic recreation of the wartime service men’s entertainment
center, with the best 1940s music. Saturday, June 3rd at 12.30 pm:
come and recreate an 1944 liberation picnic. Vintage clothes and
accessories have to be. Bring your meal! 2 pm: French author Jean-Paul Pitou autographes his book “Sainteny 1938-
1963 de l’ombre à la lumière”. 9 pm: concert of “Blue Tears Trio”, back in the 1950s! June, 4th at 10 am: departure of
convoy of vehicles for the parade in town. 2 pm: concert of 1940s music with Kelly Ann Sproul. 3 pm: friendly baseball
match between camp participants - women vs men!
Infos: +33(0)6 34 03 46 45
MORE THAN 110 EVENTS IN THE FULL PROGRAMME INCLUDING MILITARY FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS AND RECONSTRUCTIONS OF MILITARY CAMPS
ON WWW.DDAYFESTIVAL.COM !
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 11
THE MAP OF THE D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017
THE D-DAY FESTIVAL IS ALSO ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
DDAYNORMANDY
@DDAY_NORMANDY
D-Day Festival Normandy 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL - Office de tourisme de Bayeux Intercom
Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – [email protected] – www.ddayfestival.com 12
THE EIGHT TOURIST OFFICES PARTNERS OF THE D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017
BAYEUX INTERCOM +33(0)2 31 51 28 28
www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com
BAIE DU COTENTIN SAINTE-MERE-EGLISE +33(0)2 33 21 00 33 // CARENTAN +33(0)2 33 71 23 50
www.ot-baieducotentin.fr
ISIGNY OMAHA INTERCOM +33(0)2 31 21 42 27
www.isigny-omaha-tourisme.com
SEULLES TERRE ET MER TOURISME +33(0)2 31 80 67 08
www.tourisme-creully.fr
TERRES DE NACRE +33(0)2 31 97 30 41
www.terresdenacre.com
CAEN +33(0)2 31 27 14 14
www.caen-tourisme.fr
OUISTREHAM RIVA-BELLA +33(0)2 31 97 18 63
www.ouistreham-rivabella-tourisme.fr
NORMANDIE CABOURG PAYS D’AUGE +33(0)2 31 24 23 57
www.tourisme-campagnebaieorne.fr
