Summer sun draws D-Day crowds to busy park - but heat proves too much for some

People mingled in the solemn summer sunshine of a busy Great Yarmouth Park to mark the 74th anniversary of D-Day.

As the hubbub of life whirled around them prayers were said and there were readings and hymns.

Some 100 members of the public attended the poignant service as whoops and shrieks rose from the playground, dogs barked and passing cars tooted their horns.

The ceremony in St George’s Park began with a procession of standards, followed by a service of readings, prayers and hymns, led by the Rev Canon Simon Ward, of Great Yarmouth Minster.

The service ended with an act of remembrance for those who died in the war and the singing of the National Anthem.

Cllr Mary Coleman, the mayor of the Great Yarmouth borough, laid a wreath on behalf of the borough at the Second World War Memorial.

The event is organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, in collaboration with the Great Yarmouth Minster and the Great Yarmouth branch of the Royal British Legion.

Before the service Cllr Coleman said: “The D-Day service is always well attended and demonstrates the strength of feeling among the community for honouring and remembering those who sacrificed so much in the landings and during the rest of the Second World War, both at home and abroad.

“D-Day, part of Operation Overlord, played a key role in achieving ultimate Allied victory in Europe, and the D-Day services remain just as relevant today as they were in the 1940s.”

Such was the heat two cadets dressed in heavy uniform were helped to the ground as they appeared to feel faint and were offered water.