Cornwall’s sub-tropical paradise, Trebah Garden, and the nearby Budock Vean Hotel will make for poignant settings this Summer as they commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Embarkations from Cornwall’s Helford River.
Trebah’s Military Day will see war veterans and visitors gathering on the beach on Saturday 2 June to celebrate and remember the 7,500 American servicemen of the 29th Infantry Division who embarked on landing-craft bound for the Normandy Beaches and the D-Day landings.
Then from 11 to 15 June, Trebah will host Operation Neptune, an epic promenade drama around the world-famous ravine garden and beach, written by Charlotte O’Leary and starring Oliver Longstaff.
Operation Neptune is sponsored by the Budock Vean Hotel which was itself requisitioned back in 1944 in the run-up to the D-Day embarkations and where officers held regular tea dances.
The play is based on the true stories of American servicemen who left from Trebah’s beach and the local residents of Mawnan Smith and the surrounding area who witnessed it.
A special tribute to the armed forces sees a limited edition offer for current and ex-service personnel of 15% off bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast at the Budock Vean, plus tickets to the show, for those who can prove their eligibility and who quote “Operation Neptune” when booking.
Trebah’s wider programme of anniversary events – Operation Overlord – involves participation of the entire community including schools, singers, artists and film-makers whose work will be show-cased around the gardens.
