A SPECIAL beacon lighting took place in Yate on Thursday to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

To mark the anniversary, members of the public were invited to Tyler's Field for a special beacon lighting event.

The Yate beacon was one of the many beacons lit around the United Kingdom in celebration of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war.

Mayor of Yate, councillor Ben Nutland welcomed all those in attendance before introducing the 1st Yate Boys Brigade Marching Band followed by a special performance by the huge Rock Choir, led by Alex Hawker, who took the attendees on a musical journey with songs such as ‘Only You’, ‘A Thousand Years’ ‘Shine’ and ‘Club Tropicana’ to name a few.

Gazette Series: Reverends Leigh Maydew, Hywel Snook and Ian Wallace then lead a short service of Remembrance followed by the Wiltshire Piper, Tony Hurst.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Susie Hewson MBE DL read an ‘International Tribute’ paying tribute to all of those who lost their lives during D-Day and their families, the doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded, those who toiled in the fields, coal mines and factories along with the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers and the young people of the scouts and guides.

A representative of the Yate and Sodbury Royal British Legion was also in attendance with the standard.

The last post was sounded by George Hale and Kacy Brown from the 1st Yate Boys Brigade.

Following the two minutes silence, the beacon was lit at 9.15pm. Rock Choir lead the crowd in singing the national anthem followed by ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Dame Vera Lynn.

A Yate Town Council spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all those who attended and participated in this event to mark a significant part of our history and to pay tribute to those who gave their tomorrow for our today."