Party in Portsmouth to celebrate D-Day 65

Portsmouth was the focus and main departure point for the military and naval units destined for the Normandy coast and so it was the perfect location for our 65th anniversary celebration.

It's also the location of the D-Day Museum which contributed to the day by providing free admission.

There was a 1940s theme to the day's events with music provided by The Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra and Ray Gelato and his band, The Giants. The bandstand area was filled with families enjoying the big band music and watching the Lindy Hopper dancers. Later the dance floor was opened up and lots of locals got in the swing!

And the climax of the day's events was provided by The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, The Red Devils, when they landed just after 6pm. 

Poppy drop and parachute display

At 5.00 pm, the much anticipated RAF Hercules C-130 approached from the east and dropped its one million poppy petal payload over Portsmouth. The breezy conditions meant that the bulk of the petals missed the waiting audience but enough drifted through for children to collect.

And the grand finale to a wonderful family day out was a spectacular display by the Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, the Red Devils. Many thought that the wind would cause the event to be cancelled but they put on a great show and landed on target.

D-Day Pedal around Portsmouth

In conjunction with Cycle Experience, the Legion held an anniversary charity bike ride at Southsea, Portsmouth on Saturday 6 June.

Over 300 riders took part in this fantastic opportunity to see the sights of Portsmouth by bike and ride on the extensive cycle network that the city has developed.

There were three routes to choose from so entrants could cycle 16 miles, 8 miles, 2 miles or just join where they could.

A cycling roadshow continued through the afternoon with over 500 people trying out some weird and wonderful bikes and trikes. Our thanks to Cycle Experience for their support and assistance.

Ray Gelato and The Giants

Ray Gelato is considered to be one of the last in a long line of the classic jazz entertainers. Think of Cab Calloway, Louis Prima, 'Fats' Waller, Louis Jordan; these superb artists were never afraid to entertain.

And you'll get nothing less from Ray Gelato and his spectacular band The Giants. Expect to hear some footstompin' big band tunes that are guaranteed to have you jumpin' and jivin' and leave you feeling uplifted and inspired - a selection of truly classic records as well as Ray's original material.

Ray has scooped a number of awards and nominations including Ronnie Scott's Best Male Vocalist, BBC Jazz Artist Of The Year and BBC Radio 2 Jazz Artist Of The Year. With performances all over the world, he's performed twice for HM the Queen, opened for Robbie Williams at The Royal Albert Hall and played private appearances for the likes of Richard Branson, Elle McPherson and at Paul McCartney's wedding.

Ray and The Giants have also performed at the Proms in the Park, the BBC's VE Day Concert in Trafalgar Square, on Strictly Come Dancing and This Morning.

Website: www.raygelato.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/raygelato

The Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra

Not many Big Bands can honestly say that their first singer was Harry Connick Jnr but The Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra can say that with pride.

Asked to form a young band to appear in the David Putnam blockbuster movie Memphis Belle, Band Leader Greg Francis (who appeared in the film) jumped at the chance. So successful was the outcome, that Greg kept the band together and they have been touring ever since.

As well as theatres, and prestigious events they have been asked to play for Royalty, appeared on TV, performed on the QE2 and most recently been touring in Europe.

Dressed in the 8th American Army uniform, the orchestra play a wide range of music from the 1940s era, including that of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw as well as some of the great tunes from the Memphis Belle movie.

Attractions and displays

A popular attraction was the display of military vehicles and recreation of a military village. And in particular, the full-scale replica Supermarine Spitfire provided a perfect backdrop for photos. 

And the Legion's Weekly Poppy Draw took the opportunity to sign up lots of new participants helped by a prize car on display. If you missed this chance to sign up,  you can join the Weekly Poppy Draw online.