EVENTS marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings are being staged at a Hampshire country park today.
Lepe was a hive of activity during the build-up to the Normandy invasion, which changed the course of the Second World War and signalled the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Today sees the start of the Lepe into History Festival, which continues tomorrow.
Visitors will be able to view exhibits from the war, watch film footage of the conflict and take part in activities including guided walks.
Artefacts on display will include one of the few surviving relics from a project known as Pipelines Under The Ocean (PLUTO).
Lepe was where one of the lines left the mainland. It carried fuel across the Channel via the Isle of Wight and helped keep the Allied armies supplied as they advanced across Europe.
A few years ago part of the pipeline was found on the shoreline.
Cllr Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, said: “As we prepare to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we are acknowledging the integral role Lepe played in the lead up to June 6 1944.
“People of all ages will be able to get a sense of this significant moment in history.”
Visitors will be able to view range of artefacts as well as taking part in interactive activities. They can also join a guided walk to Lepe’s D-Day embarkation beach and check out the children’s heritage trails.
An education room will host an exhibition exploring the story of Lepe in the run- up to Operation Overlord using films and displays.
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