RNLI to attend Canterbury Cathedral for D-Day Commemoration Concert

On Saturday 15 June 2024, Canterbury Cathedral will be hosting a D-Day Commemoration Concert from the Central Band of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and tickets are now on sale

The concert will start at 6pm in The Nave of Canterbury Cathedral and will showcase the music of World War Two.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of both the Central Band of the Royal British Legion and of D-Day. With the RNLI celebrating its 200th Anniversary in 2024 the music will include The Padstow Lifeboat as part of the tribute.

The Very Revd David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury will be in attendance. He says:

‘In time of conflict, music has often brought people together to engender solidarity and hope. As we remember the cost of bringing peace through the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings, we are so glad that the Central British Legion Band are to fill the cathedral once more with their music. I hope the evening will be joyous and moving as we gather together’.

The concert will be a charity fundraising event for the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, who have organised and will be hosting the event. This will be the third concert from the Central Band of the RBL that The Friends have hosted in the last three years.

Their previous events were in celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and then HM The King’s Coronation. The Friends are proud to host the Central Band of the RBL for this special D-Day commemoration and are delighted that the Band will be celebrating the Bicentenary of the RNLI as part of the concert.

Tickets are still available here: 15June24 The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral present: D-Day Commemoration Concert from the RBL Central Band | Canterbury Cathedral (canterbury-cathedral.org)

Children (up to 12) £10

Adults £20

(With £2 booking fee per ticket)

RNLI fundraisers from Whitstable will be overseeing a RNLI stand at the concert on 15 June 2024. Please stop by and say hello. There will be a selection of RNLI shop items available, including the RNLI’s 200th birthday range to mark the occasion.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.