Southwick Revival ‘Spirit Of D-Day’ is taking place across Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of June to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Visit the sleepy, small village of Southwick, Hampshire for this nostalgic fundraising event, in aid of the Armed Forces Charity (SSAFA) and local charities. Since Southwick Revival’s inception in 2014, it has raised over £200,000 and has welcomed thousands of people from all over the UK. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Southwick Revival 2024 is set to be its best year yet.
Although described as a small and sleepy village, Southwick is no stranger to conflict or secrecy. Firstly, the Romans ploughed their way through in AD 43, before the Norman invasion and Saxon takeover. Then it played host to cunning generals and kings such as Edward III and his son ‘The Black Prince’ (Edward of Woodstock), who stayed at Southwick Priory before invading France.
Spin forward to 6th June 1944 and Southwick was once again involved in an invasion – this time planning one. This was of course on Nazi-occupied Normandy – code-named ‘Operation Overlord’ – to launch the liberation of Western Europe. The operation was led by seven legendary military leaders, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill. Today Operation Overlord is known as the largest amphibious invasion in history involving over 5,000 vessels and 160,000 troops.
Therefore, each June, Southwick’s locals step back in time to June 1944. They don 1940s attire and help visitors immerse themselves in a bygone era. As Southwick is surrounded by many farms, a lot of local ladies and girls are often seen dressed as the Land Girls who supported our country’s food production during the war.
What to expect at Southwick Revival ‘Spirit Of D-Day’
After finding your way from the car park and into Southwick Village, listen out for the voices of the Military Wives Choir (Saturday only). Plus, Muriele a French singer who sings elegant renditions of wartime classics, jazz, and retro songs. Tuck into homemade cakes, pies, and local tipples from one of the two local pubs. Then discover (or rediscover) the thrills of a period fun fair before boarding a shuttle bus for an exclusive tour of the Map Room at Southwick House. Inside, see the D-Day Wall Map and hear the secret plans that formed Operation Overlord.
Back in the village high street, sounds of nostalgic 1940s live music will drift among the market stalls and tea rooms. Spot the many military vehicles in the Village Recreation Ground then watch (and listen to) them rumble down the street during a motorcade. Then look up to see a team of RAF Fighter pilots, who will perform a BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) flypast in Spitfires.
As Southwick Revival 2024 marks the 80th year since the D-Day landings, new highlights include a tour of Fort Southwick and its tunnels. Plus, on Saturday, an exclusive panel discussion will be hosted by Nick Girdler, of BBC Radio Solent, with VIP guests. These VIPs include the Granddaughters of Winston Churchill and General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Each will share personal stories of the supreme commanders, who led the invasion of Normandy in 1944.
However, an insightful and nostalgic event like this wouldn’t be possible without the help of over 100 volunteers and support from local businesses. One local business that is happy to support Southwick Revival ‘Spirit Of D-Day’ is P J Hayman.
P J Hayman Supports Small Charities
P J Hayman is not just a reputable Insurance Broker that has grown to provide a portfolio of specialist travel insurance policies. It has always sought to support small and local charities by assisting with their various events or activities. For instance, in December 2022, a member of the team spent time with Leicester-based charity Wishes 4 Kids to help set up their local Christmas Panto (Aladdin) for 146 sick children.
P J Hayman is also passionate about assisting veterans. Since 2015, it has supported The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans with a specialist travel insurance policy (Free Spirit) to ensure it can take hundreds of veterans to Northern Europe. Each veteran has then had the opportunity to attend a memorial trip or remembrance service, despite their age, medical condition, and/or disability.
Southwick D-Day Revival is an event that P J Hayman looks forward to supporting, particularly as it is in aid of veterans, small charities, and local causes.
How is P J Hayman Supporting Southwick Revival ‘Spirit of D-Day’?
P J Hayman is supporting the Southwick Revival Walled Garden. This will be an attractive new area, which looks very much like a small amphitheatre. It will be a peaceful enclosed place with ample seating to tuck into a picnic and enjoy live music.
On the P J Hayman front, some of us will be present in the Walled Garden, ready to chat and get involved with the festivities. Plus, we will be giving away some complimentary gifts and surprises to go with lunch.
A quote from Martin Bazeley, Chairman of Southwick Revival:
“We are thrilled to have partnered with PJ Hayman as we launch our new attraction for 2024, the Walled Garden. P J Hayman’s values align with those of the Revival event in supporting local businesses and many of our ‘Free Spirit’ visitors would benefit from insurance services offered by P J Hayman. They will have the opportunity to meet and discuss travel insurance over the Revival weekend.”
A quote from Peter Hayman:
“As travel insurance specialists, our philosophy has always been to enable people to travel with insurance, no matter the challenges; be they health, age, or activity. We continue to work with charities, and I was delighted to be asked to support the Southwick Revival, especially with this year being the 80th anniversary of D-Day. A marvellous event and a great cause.”
Ok – let’s go to Southwick Revival ‘Spirit of D-Day’!
Southwick Revival is a ticketed event. If you’d like to attend book your ticket before June 8th via the Southwick Revival website where you’ll find more details about what to expect, visits to the Royal Military Police Museum, and the tours.
You can book exclusive tours of Southwick House Map Room accompanied by lunch and a tour of Fort Southwick. To reach the fort you’ll be taken via a vintage bus from Southwick Village before descending 147 steps down to the underground headquarters (UGHQ) to the secret Communication Control Centre. You will need to be quick though because these tickets will go fast.
To keep up to date with our plans to support Southwick Revival keep returning to this page for up-to-date information. Keep up to date with details of the event by visiting the Southwick Revival website.
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