ALL eyes will be focused on northern France this weekend, when thousands of people will be marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Heads of state, royalty and onlookers will join thousands of veterans from the UK, America and across the Commonwealth at the Normandy beachheads where thousands of troops landed to begin the invasion of Europe.

Here in Swindon, two parades will mark the occasion, one in the town centre and another in Penhill.

The parade and service in the town centre will be one of the biggest in Wiltshire.

It will be led by a number of civic dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, and Swindon mayor, Coun Derek Benfield.

As well as veterans from a variety of campaigns, not just Normandy, youngsters serving with Sea, Army and Air Cadets will also take part in the march from Granville Street Car Park to the Cenotaph in Regent Circus.

Event organiser Alan Baker said: "It will be a sombre occasion for all those who want to take part. All who take part want to pay homage. It will be an emotional day."

Mr Baker thanked a number of people and organisations across the town including Roy Smith who is helping to organise the parade and service, as well as all the local associations, and the family of Normandy veteran, Norman Wynn who recently died passing on much-needed funds.

He also thanked the Wyvern Theatre staff, the Swindon Male Voice Choir and the Cricklade Band.

The Penhill branch of the Royal British Legion is holding its own parade and service on Sunday.

Veterans will join Air Cadets from Stratton, Army Cadets and Sea Cadets from Wootton Bassett, as well as service personnel from Colerne in the parade and service, which begins at St Andrew's Church in Penhill at 10.30am.

The parade, made up of around 300 people, will then walk the half mile to the cenotaph at Penhill Royal British Legion with music from the Penhill Corps of Drums.

Other events in the Swindon area include a D-Day church service at St Bartholomew's Church in Wootton Bassett organised by the Royal British Legion at 3pm on Sunday. In Purton a special social evening will be held from 7.30pm in the village hall on Saturday.

To mark the anniversary, this Saturday's Evening Advertiser will feature a 12-page supplement presenting stories and in depth background information on Operation Overlord and stories from those Swindon veterans who were actually there.

There will also be a fascinating insight into how the Swindon area was involved with the operation including airfields at Blakehill Farm, near Cricklade, and Down Ampney from where transport planes flew paratroopers and towed gliders filled with more men and equipment.

Military historian, writer and broadcaster at Shrivenham, Peter Caddick-Adams will provide an intriguing insight into how the operation worked, the numbers involved and what might have happened had it all gone wrong.

Those who wish to lay a wreath of poppies during the town centre D-Day remembrance service on Sunday are urged to get their order in as soon as possible. For more details on where to get a wreath call Alan Baker on 01793 431214.

To find out more about the Penhill events call 01793 725948 or 01793 539837.

Anthony Osborne