A commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day is set to be held in Southend later this summer.

The major event, participated in by residents, will showcase uniforms, 1940s singers and dancers, equipment and weapons.

It will take place on Saturday June 8 in the Victoria Circus event space.

Organiser David Jeeves says it will be held as a thanks to all those who served in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, in Normandy.

Southend resident Jeeves has organised the event from a D-Day 80th anniversary Facebook group which has grown to include more than 6,700 members interested in showing their support for the event.

Mr Jeeves said: “The event is to be ‘hands on’, I am encouraging people to attend the special event dressed in 1940s style.

“And for shops to dress their windows as a thanks to the heroes of yesterday.

“So far, we have 6,700 people in the chat and people are travelling from far and wide across the UK and have been asking about hotels.

“Southend will be put on the map because of this event, it is going to be a very special commemoration event.”

Mr Jeeves added that he is involved in the armed forces community, which has spurred him to try and organise the event.

“I am involved with Armed Forces Day, Remembrance Sunday and other community events plus other military events across the UK,” he said.

“It is important for everyone to support the heroes of yesterday and support service personnel now.

“My family have a very strong military history, so it is very important to me. I feel honoured and privileged to do my part.”

A spokesman for Southend Events, who are helping to support the event, said: “This event is free to one and all.

“On display there will be Allied Second World War Uniforms, equipment, weapons, vehicles, static dioramas - and cadets and veteran associations.”