PRESS KIT

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 1

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 2

D-DAY FESTIVAL NORMANDY 2017 – MAJOR EVENTS

ST SUNDAY 21 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

ND TH FROM 2 TO 5 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/

ND FRIDAY 2 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.

RD TH FROM 3 TO 5 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.

ND TH FROM 2 TO 6 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 3

RD SATURDAY 3 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]

RD SATURDAY 3 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

RD SATURDAY 3 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

RD TH SATURDAY 3 AND SUNDAY 4 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 4

RD TH FROM 3 TO 7 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

TH SUNDAY 4 JUNE 12 € / Free under 8 (limited to 3 children per adult) 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

TH SUNDAY 4 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

TH SUNDAY 4 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 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

TH SUNDAY 4 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

TH SUNDAY 4 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)

TH SUNDAY 4 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 6

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

TH SUNDAY 4 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

TH MONDAY 5 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

TH WEDNESDAY 7 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

TH WEDNESDAY 7 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 8

TH TH FROM 9 TO 11 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 9

BUT ALSO… RECONSTRUCTIONS OF MILITARY CAMPS

ND TH FROM 2 TO 5 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

ND TH FROM 2 TO 5 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 10

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 11

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

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